Reminder for Longford farmers that €75 is available per calf in New Beef Welfare Scheme

Longford farmers have been reminded that the Suckler cow Beef Welfare Scheme opened recently.

To be eligible suckler calves must be born during the period from the July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

This is similar to the scheme in 2024 with a couple of additions, including that the maximum number of calves for payment has risen from 40 to 45, and up to three actions can be picked this year.

Meal Feeding
The first action is Meal Feeding pre-weaning and post-weaning which is mandatory. Participants must introduce meal feeding for a period of four weeks pre-weaning and two weeks post-weaning to reduce the stress on calves at weaning time.
The rate of payment is €35/calf up to a maximum of 45 calves.

Vaccination
The second action is vaccination which is optional. If this action is selected at application stage, participants must implement a vaccination programme against clostridial diseases and/or calf pneumonia in suckler calves and record details of the vaccination. The rate of payment is €15/calf up to a maximum of 45 calves.

Faecal/Silage Testing
The third action is also optional, but you have a choice to pick either Faecal Testing or Forage Testing.
Participants who chose Faecal Testing optional action must carry out two faecal tests with a minimum of four weeks between each test.

All sampling kits must be purchased no later than October 13 next. If participants chose the Forage Testing optional action, then they must take three forage samples and submit for testing to a suitable laboratory / testing facility of the participant’s choice for analysis.

All sampling kits must be purchased no later than 13 October 13 next. The rate of payment for the third action is €25/calf up to a maximum of 45 calves.

The closing date for Applications for the Beef Welfare Scheme is the 24th of September 2025.

Teagasc provides a Local Advisory and Education service to farmers.

Teagasc have offices based in Roscommon Town (Tel: 090 6626166), Castlerea (Tel: 094 9620160) and Longford Town (Tel: 043 3341021).

You can find Teagasc on Facebook @Teagascroscommonlongford, Instagram @teagasc.rnld and X @teagascRNLD. Email; RoscommonLongford Advisory@teagasc.ie

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