Farmers ‘will increase beef stock’
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.
One-third of the farmers surveyed said they intended to increase stock numbers while 60% said they would maintain their existing numbers.
A majority also felt they would need to improve the quality of stock and finish beef animals at a younger age.
The farmers in the sample are predominantly involved in suckler beef production. Two-thirds are aged between 35 and 55.
While 70% of the households have an off-farm income source, farming is the major source of income.
The new policy will involve a single payment per farm from 2005, based on entitlements established in the period 2000 2002.
There will be provision to purchase, sell or lease single payment entitlements.
