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Suckler farmers reticent over IBR testing

Suckler farmers have been slow to enlist for the latest support scheme, the National Beef Welfare Scheme (NBWS), apparently because of the stipulation that a proportion of the herd must be blood tested for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR).

Another mandatory requirement relates to pre- and post-weaning feeding, though that is not as contentious as most farmers engage in the practice anyway. The NBWS is worth €35 per weanling with a ceiling of 40 animals. In addition, there is a subvention for covering the cost of IBR testing. Allied to the previously announced Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme, the return to suckler farmers would be up to €200 per qualifying cow/calf pair. With ever increasing demands for higher animal welfare and health standards as well as lower carbon footprint in beef production, the suckler support measures are aimed squarely at meeting those demands and concerns from beef buyers and consumers. While there is considerable extra work involved in meeting the requirements of the schemes, there is also significant financial reward at a time when suckler farming is under severe pressure. The closing date for the NBWS application is September 12.

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