Suckler numbers will drop by 2025
A DECLINE in Irish suckler cow numbers between now and 2025 corresponding with an increase in the number of farms rearing and finishing calves from the dairy herd, is one of the key predictions in a Teagasc ‘Road Map’ for the next 10 years.
It also forecasts that the main pressures to come on the Irish beef sector over the next 10 years will be in the areas of international trade agreements and in the ongoing impact of the UK Brexit decision.
The Teagasc report points out that as things stand at present, 50% of Irish beef exports go to the UK. “Any increase in barriers to Irish beef exports [to UK] or increased access to the UK market by non-EU suppliers will negatively affect Irish cattle prices,” the advisor body predicts.
Looking ahead, Teagasc’s ‘overall vision’ for the beef sector is to increase the number of beef farmers who are making a sustainable and worthwhile profit per hectare in return for the resources that they are investing in their farms.
“This will be achieved through a greater uptake of technologies in grassland, animal breeding, nutrition, animal health and overall financial management.
“These factors have been shown at both research and demonstration farm level to deliver a significantly higher return per hectare than is currently being achieved on many beef farms,” Teagasc state.
Some of the other noteworthy points to emerge in the Teagasc report as they look ahead to the next 10 years are:
■ Ireland exports 90% of its beef and is the fifth largest exporter of beef in the world.
■ Suckler cow numbers are likely to decline between now and 2025 – also a small reduction in beef cattle farms.
■ An increase in the number of farms rearing and finishing calves from the dairy herd.
■ The most efficient suckler calf-to-steer beef producers finishing males as steers can expect margins of €1,300 per ha. By 2025.
■ Greenhouse gas emissions will reduce due to the decline in suckler cow numbers – compliance with the Nitrates Directive should not be a problem.
■ A strong focus to be maintained on advice, research and knowledge groups.
■ Higher levels of grass produced beef to be achieved with better soil fertility and grazing systems.
■ The EU is currently 98% self-sufficient in beef production – demand is expected to stay ahead of production over the coming years.
*The Suckler Beef ‘Road Map’ is compiled under the direction of Pearse Kelly and Dr. Edward O’Riordan. See Teagasc sheep prospects on page 74 and dairy on page 76.