By Dionne Meehan
A REPRESENTATIVE from the Donegal Beef and Lamb Association has voiced his anger over the lack of consultation in advance of beef breeding index changes.
This comes as farmers participating in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) are set to receive letters this week outlining the SCEP eligibility status of the cows in their herds.
The SCEP is a five year scheme with the intent of supporting beef farmers.
However, with the new breeding indexes coming into effect on November 28, there has been a sense of frustration and uncertainty among local farmers.
Having to reach a four or five-star rating to be eligible for the scheme, many Suckler farmers were left in a state of disbelief when they saw the once highest rated beef cattle drop to a two star rating.
With the majority of local Suckler farmers breeding Charlaois, Simmental, Blonde and Limousine, many farmers may be left facing “severe penalties”.
With Aberdeen Angus, Hereford and Dexters jumping to a five-star rating, Chairman of the Donegal Beef and Lamb Association, John Meehan said this is hard to comprehend.
“The board of directors within ICBF does not include anyone from the beef breeders/ pedigree societies.
“It mostly consists of four IFA members and two ICMSA members.
“I have to ask the question if they were mandated by their grassroots members to have agreed these changes on their behalf.
“To not have representatives from the beef farmers and pedigree societies is unacceptable, unbalanced and cannot be tolerated.
“The board has to be stood down immediately and replaced with fair representation from all sides,” he said.
With these actions completely turning farmers financial projections “on its head”, Mr Meehan said these changes could cost farmers “tens of thousands of euros”.
“Those farmers who joined SCEP are now very worried as the goal posts terms and conditions of the scheme have now been moved after the scheme has been signed up to.
“This is unethical behaviour.
“It could result in severe penalties or the payback of all SCEP scheme monies in year five if 85 per cent of cows are not a four or five star rating which is now more difficult to achieve since ICBF have revised the star indexes,” he said.
However, it is not just the Suckler farmer who is affected, Mr Meehan said Pedigree Societies could be facing a business collapse as a result of the changes.
“It affects both Suckler farmers and the Pedigree Societies.
“It is devaluing their stock which they developed over the years to a superior standard,” he said.
Meeting with the IBLA in Athlone last Sunday to discuss the changes, a number of statements have since been issued by the Pedigree Societies voicing their concerns and lack of confidence in the ICBF.
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