Watch: Key dates and details for the National Sheep Welfare Scheme

JohnEnda Flannelly, Drystock Advisor in Teagasc Claremorris, reminds farmers of the key dates and details of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme – a one year scheme launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine earlier this year.

The National Sheep Welfare Scheme aims to assist farmers to produce better quality animals and implement practical animal welfare measures on their farms. Applicants will be required to complete two actions to receive the full payment of €8 per ewe. This scheme is additional to those in the Sheep Improvement Scheme and farmers can receive up to €20 per ewe where applications to both schemes have been submitted.

Watch the video below, where JohnEnda Flannelly shares key details of the Sheep Welfare Scheme:

The number of breeding ewes eligible for payment is determined by reference to the numbers declared for each participating flock in the sheep census returns from 2020 to 2023. The scheme is applicable to upland and lowland flocks. There are two separate categories and farmers must choose one action from each category. The two categories are as follows:

The shearing action must be completed by October 15, 2024. Farmers must fill out the scheme action record sheets and retrieve receipts from a shearing contractor or evidence of sale of the wool to a wool merchant.

Farmers that select the Body Condition Scoring of ewes must carry out assessments. The first assessment must be carried out between 15 April and 15 July 2024, and the second assessment must be carried out between 1 August and 15 October 2024. All scores must be recorded on the scheme action record sheets. It is also important that appropriate follow on management is completed based off the results of the scoring.

Farmers that select clostridial vaccination of ewes should document evidence of completion of this action, which will include completion of the scheme action record sheets, and receipts for sufficient vaccination for breeding ewes. If breeding ewes are not currently in receipt of a clostridial vaccination, you may vaccinate lambs as an alternative.  Lambs must be vaccinated from 3 weeks of age and a second booster vaccination must be administered no later than 4-6 weeks later.

For farmers that have selected the plunge dipping action, this action must be completed by October 15. Farmers can use their own plunge dip or use a mobile plunge dipping service operator. Records for sheep dip purchased must be retained by the farmer. Document evidence of the action on the scheme action record sheets.

If you need more information on this scheme then please contact your nearest Teagasc Advisory office or your Teagasc Advisor.