New cash subsidy for suckler cattle farmers awaiting EU approval
IRELAND - Farmers in Mayo whose suckler herd does not exceed 100 could get •80 for each suckler cow in a radical new scheme aimed at improving the quality of Irish beef, according to local Fianna Fáil TD, John Carty.
15 November 2006
1 minute read
"Many farmers across the county are keen to help raise the quality of the suckler herd which is the primary source of our high-quality Irish beef but it has been clear for some time that an incentive in the form of financial assistance was needed.
"The Suckler Cow Herd Welfare and Quality Scheme, announced by Agriculture Minister, Mary Coughlan which will cost •250 million over seven years must first be approved by the EU Commission," said Deputy Carty
"To be eligible to receive payments of up to •80 per cow, farmers will have to comply with six animal welfare-related measures set out for the scheme: · Animal Events Recording· Disbud-ding of Calves· Castration of Calves· Minimum Calving Age· Weaning Best Practice· Replacement of female breeding stock (optional)· Training
"There is no minimum stocking requirement in this scheme and the payment would be made per suckler cow up to a maximum 100 head per farmer.
"Fianna Fáil is committed to supporting farmers, no matter how small their holding.
‘Participating farmers will also be able to benefit from an additional •250 for training under the scheme.
Source: westernpeople.ie
