(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture in view of the stated aim of the Government to increase the beef cow herd, if he will indicate the incentives he has provided for an increase in the beef cow herd and the results of these incentives.
Written Answers. - Beef Cow Herd.
56.
As announced in the national plan in October 1984, it is proposed to increase the rate of payment on beef cows in the disadvantaged areas from £32 to £70 this year.
This increase, when added to EC suckler cow premium and calf grants, means that farmers in the more severely handicapped areas can earn up to £122.20 for a beef cow-calf unit in 1986 and those in the less severely handicapped areas £103. These are worthwhile incentives and it is hoped that payment of the increased rates this year will strengthen the upward trend in beef cow numbers evident from the June 1985 livestock enumeration.