Number of registered calf births doubles in 7 days
In the space of seven days, the number of registered calf births have increased from 52,403 to 105,621, indicating that the busy spring-calving period on Irish farms has begun.
The latest figures from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) show that there has been a 14.5% increase compared to last year’s figures – with 75,495 head of dairy calves born so far compared to 65,245 head in 2020.
Breakdown
Having a closer look at the figures, we can see that 44,109 dairy calves were registered during the week ending January 29, 2021 – an increase of 5,622 head on the corresponding week in 2020.
BEAM: How do farmers know where they stand?
The topic of Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) is one that has made and will continue to make the headlines over the next few weeks.
The main confusion is based on farmers’ current requirement to reduce the production on the holding of bovine livestock manure nitrogen by 5% for the period July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, as compared with the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.
We have heard plenty of debates in recent months regarding this requirement, but for the time being it is here to stay.
Nitrates allocation
For this requirement, the focus is on the level of nitrogen from bovine livestock manure. The figures are calculated by taking the average number of animals in each age category you have over the 12 month period from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
Working in partnership
From a broader administrative viewpoint, the plan aims for further development of the bTB Stakeholder Forum with the development of three working groups to advise the forum on technical science issues, finance and implementation.
Terms of reference, membership and chairs are to be decided by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, with the chairman of the forum, Michael Cronin, to submit an annual report to the minister.
According to the strategy, a Scientific Working Group will comprise qualified personnel with a specific expertise on bTB or who are currently employed in scientific research organisations working on the issue.