The issue of reducing stock numbers in order to aid the environment needs to start at that birth of the calf, not when the animal is near finishing, according to the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) president Dermot Kelleher. Speaking with AgriLand this week about the debate surrounding the 5% reduction of bovine livestock manure nitrogen as part of the BEAM (Beef Emergency Aid Measure) scheme, Kelleher spoke about how there are some flaws in how the government structured the scheme. Last evening (Wednesday, February 3), it was revealed that farmers who are currently on track to meet the 5% livestock manure nitrogen reduction requirement under the BEAM scheme by the end of the original reference period, will not need to adhere to the new reference period.