Enhanced profitability and an increased membership of the beef technology adaptation programme (BTAP) will be the key focus for farmers over the next 10 years, says IFA president Eddie Downey.

Beef farmers are optimistic about their future, bolstered by participation in discussion groups, according to an AIB report on the sector.

Suckler farmers are being asked to use ICBF’s Gene Ireland AI bulls in their herds so that a full progeny test can be carried out on them.

The Sheep Technology Adoption Programme (STAP) of discussion groups has been put in place for the next three years, with €3 million of funding in 2013.