The Department of Agriculture has proposed a cap on farmers suckler herds as a condition of qualifying for the new suckler scheme. We believe Ireland's suckler herd is being unfairly blamed for having a negative environmental impact on our countryside.

Irelands suckler herd:

1- generates economic activity in rural areas       that need it most.

2- is part of the social fabric which keeps our rural culture alive.

3- due to our low input usage and low stocking density most suckler farms remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit making them environmentally friendly.

4- This low stocking rate and grazing of pastures improves biodiversity where a wide diversity of plant species can thrive.

5- our suckler herd is a source of top quality stock for our beef industry. These stock have a high conversion ratio of feed to protein making them ultra efficient.

6- Our suckler herd has a positive public image as the calf is reared naturally with its mother. This is invaluable when marketing our product