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Beef Sector Efficiency Programmes 2022
Type Media Article
By Martina Donnelly, B&T Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare
DAFM have recently announced the opening of the BEEP-S and the Dairy Beef Calf Schemes. Both schemes must be applied for again in 2022 and only online applications will be accepted.
The closing date for this year’s applications for both schemes is Monday, 25th April 2022.
Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme Suckler (BEEP-S):
The Scheme is for one year’s duration and is open to all suckler farmers who have an active herd number, will submit a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application in 2022 and have calves (beef sire x beef dam) born in their herd between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022.
The objective of BEEP-S is to improve and target the efficient weaning of suckler cows and calves, by recording the live weight of the cow and the calf prior to weaning. It also contains options to improve the welfare of the calf at weaning and the control liver and rumen fluke in the adult cow. There are a number of actions in the programme, with Action 1 being compulsory. Applicants then also have the option to choose Action 2 and/or Action 3.
Action 1: Weighing and Submission of Weights to ICBF:
This is a compulsory action. Participants must weigh each unweaned calf and its dam and submit weights to ICBF. From 01 May 2022, all weights should be submitted within 7 days of weighing and no later than 01 November 2022.
All suckler calves (beef sire x beef dam) submitted for weighing must have been born between 01 July 2021 and 30 June 2022. Calves must be weighed before they are weaned. Cows and calves must be weighed on the same day. Only qualifying cow & calf pairs whose weights are recorded on the ICBF Database will be eligible for payment. Only scales registered can be used and they can be rented, owned or borrowed from a third party.
Participants will not be eligible for payment under Optional Actions 2 and/or Action 3 unless they complete the full requirements of Mandatory Action 1. The number of cows and calves you weigh sets the number of animals you get paid for on all actions. Applicants may then choose either one or both of the following:
Action 2(Optional): Meal Feeding:
Meal feeding of calves pre-weaning and post weaning. Meal is introduced to calves for a period of 4 weeks pre-weaning and 2 weeks post weaning with the aim of reducing the stress on calves at weaning time. Proof of meal purchase and weaning dates must be recorded. Calves must be supplemented with a compound feed that contains the appropriate minerals and vitamins.
Action 2 (Optional): Vaccination:
Implement a vaccination programme on farm to prevent respiratory disease (pneumonia) pre weaning. This should be done in conjunction with your vet so as to select correct vaccine that will target the relevant risk on your farm. The dates of administration to calves, proof of vaccination purchase must be recorded.
Action 3 (Optional): Faecal Egg Sampling:
Faecal egg testing is targeted at the control of Liver and Rumen Fluke in adult suckler cows. Samples must be taken and submitted to approved laboratories before Monday, 3rd October 2022.
Rates of Payment:
Action 1: Weighing:
€50 for first 10 cow/calf pairs weighed and €40 thereafter to a maximum of 100
cow/calf pairs in total.
Action 2 (Optional): Meal Feeding/ Vaccination:
Meal feeding @ €30 per calf weighed to a maximum of 100 calves or
Vaccination @€30 per calf weighed to a maximum of 100 calves.
Action 3 (Optional): Faecal Egg Sampling:
Faecal Egg Testing @ €10 per cow to a maximum of 100.
Dairy Beef Calf Scheme:
The Dairy Beef Calf Programme supports beef farmers who are rearing calves from the dairy herd. The scheme is for one year’s duration and is open to all farmers who have an active herd number, will submit a Basic Payment Scheme application in 2022. The requirements are as follows:
Weigh a minimum of five eligible calves and submit the weights to the ICBF.
All weights should be submitted within seven days of weighing and before 1st November 2021. Only scales registered can be used and they can be rented, owned or borrowed from a third party.
The weights must be submitted to the ICBF by 1st November 2022 to get a payment.
Eligible Calves: Calves are eligible if born between 1st July 2021 and 30th June 2022. The calves are a male calf of a dairy breed, and/or a male or female calf sired by a beef breed sire born to a dairy breed dam. They are at least 12 weeks of age at the time of weighing and has been registered on the holding s/he is being weighed on for a minimum of 10 days prior to the date of weighing.
Rate of Payment:
€20 per eligible calf weighed and you must weigh at least 5 eligible calves to a max of 40calves.
Contact your Agricultural Advisor/Consultant to apply online before the closing date of Monday, 25th April next.