A brief history of cattle farming in Ireland
Pre-mediaeval
Cattle hold immense importance, representing wealth and status, as reflected in Brehon Laws governing ownership and exchanges.Mediaeval
Colonisation begins altering Irish cattle farming practices, becoming more profit-driven and concentrating land ownership in English hands.18th-19th centuries
Commercialisation leads to live cattle exports, but the Great Famine causes a decline and shifts focus to smaller landholdings.Late 19th Century and independence
Agrarian movements and the Land Acts improve tenant farmers’ rights, affecting cattle farming practices; the Irish Free State in 1922 marks a pivotal change, initially leading to protectionism and eventually market reform in attempts to join the EU.EU Membership
Ireland and the UK join the EU in 1973 spurring cattle farming advances with subsidies, enhanced breeding, management, and veterinary practices, boosting exports.
Sources: Brehon Academy, Teagasc
The financials
The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are the biggest producers and exporters of beef in Europe.
The UN Environment Programme predicts a 14% increase in global meat consumption by 2030. Beef is to make up 20% of global meat production, with a 5.8% increase.
Sources: Bord Bia, DAERA NI, DAERA NI, UN Environmental Programme
Farmers vs Processors
Beef processing makes up a sizeable proportion of beef’s greenhouse gas footprint, in particular, carbon emissions.
By 2030, processors will aim to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity by more than 50% and reduce Scope 3 emissions intensity by 30%
However…
Until May 2019, according to the IFA, the big three groups of ABP, Dawn, and Kepak had 65% of the total beef processing market
An effective oligopsony means processors have significant purchasing power, so farmers have very little choice in who they sell to.
The power imbalance means price setting by the beef processors – driving down earnings for farmers. This makes implementing organic or regenerative practices expensive and out of reach.
Sources: Irish Examiner, MDPI, Investopedia
Vested Interests in the Irish Beef Industry
Cultural attachment can make it challenging to advocate for substantial changes to the industry. Any perceived threat to traditional practices might be met with resistance from the public, farmers, and various interest groups.
Large-scale beef producers, processors and other businesses have significant financial stake in maintaining the status quo.
These stakeholders emphasise the economic benefits – job creation and export revenue. As a result, they resist changes that could impact their profits or market share. This is particularly true of powerful lobby groups who would lose political and economic capital.
Community lobbying against change is often fuelled by fears of economic disruption, job losses, and shifts in local culture. This leads to distrust and a reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions about transforming practices and the industry for the better.
What is financially sustainable for beef farmers? What other options do they have?
For a fair debate to take place and meaningful changes to be enacted, it’s crucial to present worthwhile alternatives and solutions to the challenges faced by the Irish beef industry.
Diversification
Encouraging farmers to diversify their activities can help reduce the dependence on beef production. This might involve promoting sustainable, alternative crops, agroforestry, permaculture, eco-tourism, and rewilding allotments.
Supporting Transition
Government and industry initiatives can provide financial and educational support to farmers and communities who wish to transition away from traditional beef production towards more sustainable or diversified models.
Engagement and Education
Educating the public about the challenges and benefits of transforming the beef industry is essential for fostering understanding and support for change.
Taxation and Investment
Government could incentivise behaviour change in consumers and producers through taxation, or transition to alternatives through subsidisation.