Campaign for better suckler premiums begins at Elphin meeting this week

A campaign will begin in Elphin on Tuesday night to get better premiums for suckler cows under a new scheme.

The proposed Suckler Cow Carbon Efficiency Scheme will offer a premium of €150 euro for the first 10 cows but farmers say they need double that to make ends meet.

The Irish Farm Family Group is encouraging suckler farmers and sheep breeders to come to Tuesday night's meeting and give their views on what should happen in the sector.

The meeting will be held in Elphin Mart on Tuesday night at 8 o' clock and a similar gathering is planned for Carrigallen next week.

Gerry Connellan says farmers have to fight to have the premium offer changed unless they want to see suckler farming become a thing of the past.