ICSA Suckler chair Jimmy Cosgrave has said the details of the next Beef Welfare Scheme, revealed by the Department in a meeting with stakeholders this morning, represent a welcome development. However, Mr Cosgrave said he is disappointed that the upper limit of eligible weanlings has only been increased from 40 to 45.

"The scheme contains sensible measures that should appeal to suckler farmers. But we believe the Department needs to be more ambitious when it comes to supporting full-time suckler farmers. Increasing the limit by just five calves is a modest step in the right direction, but it does not go far enough," he said.

"We in ICSA believe there is scope to increase the cap significantly - up to 100 calves - to make this scheme meaningful for those who are genuinely committed to suckler farming as a full-time enterprise."

The new Beef Welfare Scheme offers a payment of up to €75 per weanling, and includes a mandatory measure (meal feeding), as well as two optional ones (vaccination and either silage sampling or faecal egg testing). The total maximum payment per herd is now €3,375, based on 45 eligible calves and completion of all three measures. The scheme is expected to open in August, with measures to be completed by mid-October.

Mr Cosgrave said the increase in the payment per head - up from €50 to €75 - is a direct result of strong lobbying by ICSA on behalf of suckler farmers. "This increase will make a difference. But we will continue to push for a better deal to ensure suckler farmers get the meaningful support they need to remain viable.

It is also encouraging to see that the scheme avoids too much red tape and takes a practical approach. Too many schemes in the past have been overly complex and off-putting. This one makes sense and is achievable. We would encourage all suckler farmers to give serious consideration to applying."