Factory bonuses for farmers finishing cattle at a younger age do not appear to be in the running on a draft list of measures set for inclusion in a new Department of Agriculture-led plan.

The plan is aimed at lowering the age of beef cattle at slaughter to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the draft list circulated to stakeholders for consultation does refer to Bord Bia scoping out the potential of developing “earlier age grass-fed beef cattle as a key selling point”.

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Another action listed in the plan concerns the development of “progressive pricing models for dairy-beef calves”, with Teagasc and the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society listed as relevant stakeholders for the move.

Further measures relate to improved grazing, handling and weighing infrastructure on beef farms, as well as the encouragement of reseeding and good grazing management.

The improved liveweight performance action plan had been due for publication last July but was delayed.

The end of March is the new target date for its release, the Department told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“The draft improved liveweight performance action plan was designed following input provided by Teagasc, ICBF, AHI, Bord Bia and Department officials,” a spokesperson said.

“The Department also met with representatives of the farming organisations and industry.”

Reducing the age of beef cattle at slaughter by three to three-and-a-half months is listed in the 2025 update to the Climate Action Plan as a measure that could cut farm sector emissions by 0.48m tonnes of CO2 equivalents between 2026-2030.