An Independent TD today (Monday, December 16) accused the outgoing Government of “orchestrating a covert cull of Ireland’s cattle herd through misguided climate action measures”.
Independent TD for South Tipperary, Mattie McGrath, is deeply critical of previous agricultural policies pursued by the outgoing Government.
The TD said: “The Government has been pulling the wool over farmers’ eyes.
“While they’ve denied any intention to cull our national herd, their policies achieve that by stealth.”
According to data compiled by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) the number of suckler cows on Irish farms in June 2024 declined by over 250,000 head when compared to the same period in June 2015.
Deputy McGrath claims the national herd is in decline “because of policies designed to squeeze farmers out of business”.
The south Tipperary TD has warned that if this trend continues there will be major implications for rural communities.
“The consequences are biting deep, undermining not just farming but entire rural communities that are inextricably linked with agriculture.
“While beef and weanling prices are strong, many farmers can’t benefit because they’ve either shut down operations or drastically reduced their herds,” Deputy McGrath added.
Cattle
He also highlighted that in Tipperary the reduction in the cattle herd “is especially heart wrenching”.
“Over the past decade, we’ve seen a staggering 34% drop in suckler cow numbers, with more than 24,000 cows gone from our local farms.
“Each number represents a farmer’s livelihood, a family’s heritage, and a piece of our rural community’s backbone,” the TD cautioned.
Mercosur
Deputy McGrath said that any discussions around the future of the national herd must now take into consideration the potential impact of the EU-Mercosur agreement.
He has questioned the “environmental sense” of Mercosur and pledged to ensure that the future for farmers and rural communities will be a key priority for him as he returns for a new Dáil term.
Deputy McGrath said: “We need an immediate review of the Climate Action Plan and targeted support for our suckler farmers.
“The government must come clean about the real impact of their policies and take immediate action to protect our farming heritage.