Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2012
564 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current strength of the beef herd; the extent to which he expects growth in numbers over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14853/12]
View answerThe latest CSO data indicates that the beef cow herd numbered 1.063m head in December 2011, a marginal reduction of 7,400 head (or 0.7%) on the figure for December 2010. Improved cattle prices have helped to stabilise suckler cow numbers but overall herd size is not expected to grow significantly. Ultimately, the size of the national herd, including the beef cow herd, is a function of market forces.
Cattle prices in 2011 for all animal age categories were substantially higher than in 2010 and this led to an increase in the value of cattle production on Irish farms. For example, the price of weanlings increased by more than 35% in 2011 while the price for store animals was approximately 20% higher in 2011 than in 2010. The impact of these higher output prices on margins more than offset the higher cost of concentrate feed and fertiliser. Increased returns have helped to stabilise cow numbers and have generated renewed confidence in suckler beef production.
Notwithstanding the buoyant market situation, I am continuing to maintain support measures for the beef sector. To date, my Department has paid out over €127m under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme (AWRBS) which, since its introduction in 2008, has made a major contribution to improving the competitiveness of the beef sector. The animal welfare measures have directly contributed to improved prices for weanlings and improved the reputation of Irish beef and live exports in key markets.
In recognition of the need to improve to improve profitability at farm level in the beef sector and to achieve the targets set out in the Food Harvest 2020 strategy, last month I launched the Beef Technology Adoption Programme (BTAP) to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the productivity and profitability of their beef enterprises. Utilising a discussion group format, this new initiative is aimed at upskilling participants to enable them apply best practice in all the vital areas of a successful beef production business: i.e. financial management, grassland management, animal breeding, herd health and production to meet market specifications. A budget of €5m has been made available for the BTAP in 2012 but my intention is that the Programme will run over 3 years subject to funding. I think that there will be tremendous opportunities for the development of the beef industry in the coming years but we must address the fundamental issue of inefficiency and poor margins at farm level if the industry to take full advantage of these opportunities. The payback on the BTAP investment will deliver real gains at individual farm level and upgrade the overall beef production system at national level.
