Sheep unit ‘safe’ in Athenry

FEARS that the proposed new Teagasc commercial suckler farm in Athenry could have a negative impact on the sheep research facility there have been allayed, according to the IFA’s senior national sheep representative.

IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman John Lynskey has said that IFA had raised a number of important issues at the highest level with Teagasc in relation to proposed changes at the sheep research facilities and the introduction of a commercial suckler herd on the site.

“At a meeting in November, IFA made it very clear to the Director of Teagasc [Prof. Gerry Boyle] that the sheep research programme ‘cannot be diluted in any way’ as a result of the changes in Athenry,” said John Lynskey.

In addition, John Lynskey said IFA raised farmer concerns about maintaining the highly respected independence of Teagasc research work across all sectors and ensuring that this is preserved.

Over recent weeks the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) have expressed reservations about the Teagasc link-up with Dawn Meats to set up the suckler farm in Athenry.

They expressed concerns that the Dawn Meats involvement would mean a concentration on a suckler to beef system rather than the indigenous West of Ireland weanlings for export trade.

Concerns were also expressed that the setting up of the new suckler herd would lead to a dimunition of the sheep research farm and facilities in Athenry.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.