Farmers ‘will increase beef stock’

The more progressive and commercial beef farmers intend to maintain or increase stock numbers when the new EU policy for the sector is in place, a Teagasc survey has indicated.

According to the survey of beef monitor farms, 92% intend to maintain or increase stock numbers after the new policy comes into effect in January 2005. Just 8% intend to reduce stock.

Aidan Murray, Teagasc beef specialist, who co-ordinated the survey, said the results should not be interpreted as representing the attitudes of all beef farmers. However, they do reflect the attitude of a sample of the more progressive and commercial sector.