Beef Welfare Scheme 2024: Key details and how to apply
With the closing date for the Beef Welfare Scheme 2024 fast approaching, Manager of the Teagasc Future Beef Programme, Martina Harrington takes a comprehensive look at the scheme, what’s required, and how to apply.
The Beef Welfare Scheme 2024 is designed to enhance animal welfare practices for beef farmers. The programme offers financial incentives to farmers who implement specific feeding and vaccination protocols for their weanlings.
Programme overview
The Beef Welfare Scheme is a one-year initiative that aims to improve the health and welfare of beef cattle. Applications are processed online through Agfood.ie, and the deadline for submission is September 24 2024. To be eligible, farmers must have already submitted a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application for 2024.
The programme is focused on calves born between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, with financial support available for a maximum of 40 weanlings. Farmers do not have to include all animals, but can choose which animals they wish to include in the scheme, and the total maximum payment is €2,000.
Key actions for farmers
Farmers participating in the Beef Welfare Scheme must follow two key welfare actions:
- Meal Feeding – this is a mandatory part of the scheme, and it pays €35 per head.
- Vaccination – while not mandatory, vaccination offers an additional payment of €15 per head.
Vaccination protocols
Vaccination, though optional, is strongly encouraged to improve animal health. Farmers in conjunction with their vet should choose the most suitable products for their farm while adhering strictly to the manufacturer’s protocol. Keeping receipts and accurate records of vaccination dates is essential. The specific vaccination programme will vary depending on the type of vaccine used, but it's crucial that farmers follow the correct protocols to ensure effectiveness.
Meal feeding requirements
Meal feeding is a mandatory aspect of the scheme. Farmers must feed meal to their calves for: four weeks pre-weaning, and two weeks post-weaning.
The scheme recommends feeding 1kg per head per day pre-weaning and 2kg per head per day post-weaning. Farmers can feed straights, but are advised to supplement with suitable complementary mineral feed. As with vaccination, farmers must retain receipts and keep track of feeding dates.
SCEP weighing requirement
For those participating in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), farmers must weigh their calves before weaning. Additionally, if meal feeding is carried out under the scheme, calves cannot be sold within 15 days of the weighing date.
Table 1: A schedule of meal feeding and sales dates for farms participating in both the Beef Welfare Scheme and SCEP
| Date of weaning |
Meal feeding start date (four weeks prior to weaning) |
Meal feeding end date (two weeks post weaning) |
First sale date (15 days + post weaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 25 | July 28 | September 8 | September 9 |
| September 1 | August 4 | September 15 | September 16 |
| September 8 | August 11 | September 22 | September 23 |
| September 15 | August 18 | September 29 | September 30 |
| September 22 | August 25 | October 6 | October 7 |
| September 29 | September 1 | October 13 | October 14 |
| October 6 | September 8 | October 20 | October 21 |
| October 13 | September 15 | October 27 | October 28 |
| October 20 | September 22 | November 3 | November 4 |
Conclusion
The Beef Welfare Scheme 2024 is an excellent opportunity for Irish beef farmers to improve the welfare of their animals while receiving financial support. The programme not only enhances animal health through better feeding and vaccination practices but also rewards farmers for their participation. Make sure to apply by 24 September 2024 on Agfood.ie and comply with all necessary steps to secure your funding.