Suckler farmers can now earn up to €225 per cow/calf pair, says Minister Heydon, as 2025 Beef Welfare Scheme opens
Minister Heydon said: 'This year's scheme represents a substantial increase in funding for suckler farmers. The measures are practical and aimed at optimising calf performance throughout its lifetime, while supporting the economic efficiency and welfare standards of the herd.'
The BWS is open to farmers aged 18 or over with an active herd number, who have eligible suckler calves born between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, and who submit a 2025 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application.
Applications must be made online via agfood.ie by 11.59pm on 24 September 2025. Payments for validated applications will commence in December 2025. Farmers should keep receipts for meal feeding, vaccination, and testing, as these may be requested to facilitate payment.
The IFA has sought removal of the upper limit on eligible animals per herd, warning that the cap restricts the scheme's benefits for larger suckler farms.
Payments are available through three actions:
Action 1 – Meal Feeding (Mandatory): €35 per eligible calf for up to 45 calves. Calves must be meal-fed for four weeks pre-weaning and two weeks post-weaning to reduce stress at weaning.
Action 2 – Vaccination (Optional): €15 per eligible calf for up to 45 calves. Vaccinations must cover clostridial diseases and/or calf pneumonia, with records kept for submission.
Action 3 – Faecal or Forage Testing (Optional): €25 per eligible calf for up to 45 calves. Farmers may carry out two faecal tests at least four weeks apart, or submit three forage samples for analysis.
Full terms and conditions, including penalties for non-compliance, are available on agfood.ie.
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