Farmer’s Journal 10 February, 2016

Meanwhile, Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) TB committee chairman John Barron has welcomed news that the maximum valuation for a pedigree bull under the TB market valuation scheme has been increased from €3,500 to €5,000 following ICSA lobbying on the issue.

“The ICSA argued that the previous maximum of €3,500 did not reflect the reality in the marketplace for suckler farmers, in particular, who wish to run the best possible bull with the most desirable genetics with their herd,” Barron said.

“It is commonplace, albeit still a minority, for suckler farmers to pay €4,000 to €5,000 for a high-calibre bull. This is particularly important in the suckler sector where AI use is limited by a variety of factors, such as difficulties with heat detection, herds grazing away from the farmyard on different parcels and also the prevalence of part-time farming due to income issues,” Barron added.