A NEW scheme has been opened by Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue, aimed at improving the ‘beef quality’ of offspring from dairy herds.

The Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme (DBWS) has a budget allocation of €25 million over the next four years with a payment of €20 per calf up to a maximum of 50per holding (total of €1,000 per annum).

Those taking part in the scheme will be required to use either AI straws or stock bulls with a minimum rating of three start on the ICBF Dairy Beef Index (DBI).

Co-funded by the EU as part of the CAP Strategic Plan it comes as part of ten-point Action Plan to support the development of a dairy-beef sector in Ireland.

In the past there have been ongoing issues with the poor quality of dairy herd offspring entering the beef production chain – some of the stock have been described as ‘unfinishable’ because of their genetics, regardless of how well they were fed.

Minister McConalogue said that both dairy and beef farmers recognised the gains to be made from the greater integration of the beef and dairy herds.

“There are advantages for both buyers and sellers in a scheme that provides a market outlet for dairy beef calves and an alternative business option for beef farmers.

Pictured: Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue