19th August 2014

ICSA suckler chairman Dermot Kelleher has reiterated his concern for the future of the Irish suckler herd.

“The lack of profitability in beef is driving more and more suckler farmers to consider getting out of the business,” said Mr. Kelleher. “Even the best and most efficient suckler farmers are struggling to generate profits, and many are considering moving to more profitable sectors like dairying. What people may not realise is that it takes a generation to build up a quality suckler herd, and if we lose it, it may take years to restore.”

“For farmers on marginal land, the only options may be forestry or land abandonment. Farmers on better land have other options including dairying and tillage, but I’m very concerned for suckler farmers in the most disadvantaged areas, and I wonder will Minister Coveney be remembered as the minister who presided over the collapse of the suckler herd?”