Laois man at takes reins of one of toughest jobs in farming

A Laois man has taken one of the top and arguably most challenging posts in the Irish Farming Association (IFA).

Declan Hanrahan has been elected Chairman of the IFA National Livestock Committee. It's a job that will put him at the centre of what has been one of the most volatile and fractious areas of farming in recent years.

He was elected to succeed Brendan Golden at a meeting of the Committee in the Irish Farm Centre on November 6. He will begin his term at the Annual General Meeting in January.

Declan Hanrahan is a beef farmer in Borris-in-Ossory and has previously served as Vice-Chair of the National Livestock Committee.

Between his own land and leased property, he farms 100 acres near the village. He keeps 35 suckler cows and rears about 30 calves to store cattle.

As Chairman, there's no doubt but that he will be at the coal face of one of Ireland's biggest sectors which is responsible for huge amounts of exports of beef from cattle raised on farms in Laois and around Ireland. He'll be tasked with campaigning on behalf of livestock farmers with beef processors and the Government to get the best deal he can for producers.

He spoke after his election.

“There are significant challenges ahead for our sector and I’m looking forward to representing all beef farmers on the issues in front of us. We are the largest farm enterprise within the farming sector and also a very important part of the rural economy. Our focus will be on securing support from Government and the next CAP to sustain the sector,” he said.

While price is the bottom line, spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live about some of the issues faced.

“Since the Ukrainian war, we have seen our input costs rise out of control altogether. We are also in a new Common Agricultural Policy. We have more environmental asks and there is more from a climate point of view being asked of us also,” he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

He said all of these challenges have to be met while ensuring incomes continue to make beef farming viable by getting the best price from the market and returns from the Government through the various income support schemes.

He also highlighted shifts at the European Union level.

“The EU are moving away from production and area-based payments to environment and sustainability,” he said.

He said markets also want beef to be produced sustainably.

Mr Hanrah also says rising inflation has also had an impact from the consumer perspective, especially food inflation which put pressure on beef as it is a premium product in shops.

However, he felt consumers at home and abroad have stayed loyal to beef.

“The market is looking favourable in 2024 and the balance between production and consumption is looking favourable,” he said.

Mr Hanrahan is aware however that the beef factories are powerful players.

He said it is a constant challenge to make processers pay farmers the best price possible though he cautioned that the farmers cannot set the price as price takers.

“We depend on them to get the best return from the market - they will always be in the eye of the storm,” he said.

He thanked Brendan Golden for his leadership and commitment to the beef and suckler sector during his time as Chair of the Committee.