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Dairy farmers who embrace the Dairy Beef Index (DBI) to produce better-quality calves for beef production must be recognised by meat processors through a better price.
That is according to Des Morrison, chair of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) who said dairy farmers must use the DBI, but cautioned others had a responsibility as well.
Morrison said all farmers involved in beef production in spring 2019 had an extremely difficult period, including dairy calf producers who “took an extremely low price” in many cases.
On the DBI, Morrison stated: “ICMSA believes that dairy farmers will respond, but I want to be very clear: there is also an onus on meat plants to respond accordingly and that should be, firstly, through improved prices for beef and, secondly, to structure market specifications that facilitate rather than hinder and frustrate farmers.”
Grades
Over 70% of steers in 2018 were graded R- or below according to Morrison. This meant “even suckler beef was, in many cases, not making the base price set by the meat processors”.
ICMSA would encourage its members to use the DBI once dairy replacement requirements were met as it presented an opportunity to improve the quality of the remaining calves.
However Morrison warned: “For once, we need to see meat processors play ball on this issue and pro-actively support farmers who are endeavouring to improve their stock.”
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