ICSA Suckler chair Jimmy Cosgrave has strongly criticised the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) for excluding calf weight data collected by farmers under the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) from their genetic evaluations. “Farmers diligently weigh cattle as part of SCEP, fully expecting the data they collect to contribute directly to ICBF's genetic evaluations. To discover that this data is being disregarded is an affront to the time, effort, and expense farmers have invested in recording these weights,” he said.

ICSA understands that only weight data recorded by ICBF technicians - which accounts for around 10% of total weights collected under SCEP - is used in the calculation of genetic evaluations, leaving 90% of the data unused.

 Mr Cosgrave said that ICSA does not accept ICBF’s reasoning for excluding farmer-collected data. “ICBF’s claim that the data must ‘pass through a series of quality-controlled checks before it is eligible for inclusion’ and that they are working on ‘validating weights’ rings hollow. SCEP is a fully audited, CAP-funded scheme. If the weights meet all Department of Agriculture and EU audit standards for payments, it is baffling that ICBF considers them insufficient for genetic evaluations.”

 He also said that leaving out so much weight data in genetic evaluations could have lasting effects on the future of the suckler sector. “The sector relies on solid, complete data to make informed operational and breeding decisions. Ignoring this data not only harms our suckler farmers but also undermines the goal of improving the suckler herd.”

 Mr Cosgrave added that many suckler farmers are now questioning whether ICBF is excluding the data because it might not support, or could even contradict, the outcomes they wish to promote regarding genetic performance and herd efficiency. “Farmers are rightly angered that the data they collect is being ignored. We are now calling on ICBF to ensure all weights submitted by farmers through SCEP are included in future genetic evaluations for the benefit of the entire suckler sector.”