BPM calls for independent review of Euro-Star indices
The Beef Plan Movement (BPM) is calling for an independent review of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) Euro-Star rating system.
The next ICBF stakeholder meeting is set for Friday of this week (February 14), with BPM chairman, Eamon Corley, set to attend.
Corley, speaking to Agriland, noted the strength of Irish cattle prices at the present time. However, he also recognised the need for a fundamentally sound beef breeding programme into the future.
This must recognise the fact that every animal, irrespective of its shape or size has a bespoke market value, he said. In other words, it is not possible to breed a hybrid animal that meets all market requirements.
BPM first proposed the review four years ago to then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, claiming the current system fails to accurately assess the value of replacement stock, undermining confidence in the ICBF's methodology.
Corley has highlighted growing concerns over the algorithm used to generate Euro-Star ratings, which are designed to evaluate the genetic merit of cattle.
He further explained, "There is clearly an issue with the underlying algorithm.
"When major breed societies like Charolais, Limousin, and Simmental, breeds that routinely achieve top prices at sales, express dissatisfaction with the system, it’s a sign that something is seriously wrong."
BPM’s concerns were further amplified by the recent revelation that a Dexter bull was ranked as one of the top-performing replacement bulls.
Corley described this as "the canary in the coal mine," indicating a fundamental flaw in the algorithm.
He added, "This is not just a minor glitch, it points to a major fault in the system that needs urgent attention.”
BPM also notes the low participation rate among suckler farmers in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), with just 20% opting into the scheme.
This lack of engagement, according to Corley, reflects broader disillusionment with the ICBF’s Euro-Star system.
He further explained, "Farmers need a system that works for them, one that reflects the reality of the marketplace. Right now, that’s not happening.”
Despite participating in a recent ICBF stakeholder forum, the Beef Plan Movement criticised the event as little more than a talking shop with minimal attention given to farmers' concerns.
Eamon Corley added, "The forum failed to address the core issues farmers are facing. It’s time for a full, independent audit of the Euro-Star system, with the results made transparent and accessible to farmers.
The BPM chairman highlighted recent claims by ICBF to the effect that validation work presented to the stakeholders group over the last year does in fact show that the evaluations are taking the industry in the right direction.
He continued, “This does not tally with our experience at the forums and as a result questions the value of having further meetings with ICBF while they continue to insist on not keeping minutes.
“It is staggering to consider that no minutes have been circulated from any of the stakeholders forums, which has resulted in many pertinent points being lost.”
Corley concluded, “This has also allowed the outcome of the forums to be treated so subjectively.
“The call for an independent review has gained traction among farmers and breed societies, who argue that the current system does not align with market realities or the needs of those working on the ground.”
