03 May 2025
Deadline approaching for National Sheep Welfare Scheme
Apply now for the updated National Sheep Welfare Scheme, the closing date is 15 May 2025. Ábagh Harten tells us how to apply and what farmers need to do to secure their payments.
About the Scheme
The National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) has been updated to provide more support for sheep farmers. It promotes better health and welfare for sheep. The payment has increased from €8 to €13 per eligible breeding ewe following the completion of three specific welfare actions. This increased payment will mean payments of €25 per ewe when combined with the Sheep Improvement Scheme.
To receive the payment, farmers must complete three welfare actions. Two actions from Category A (mandatory), and one from Category B (optional).
Category A (Mandatory)
Choose two:
-
Shearing
Must be completed by either the 17th of October or the 28th of November 2025, as selected during the application process, and provide documentary evidence of completion. -
Body Condition Scoring Ewes, and appropriate follow on management
Must conduct Body Condition Scoring on all ewes twice, with an interval of eight weeks between assessments.
- The first Body Condition Scoring must be carried out between 15th of April-15th of July.
- The second Body Condition Scoring must be carried out between 1st August- 17th of October.
-
Clostridial Vaccination of Ewes
Must be carried out by the selected date on your application of either the 17th of October or the 28th of November 2025. Breeding ewes that have been vaccinated previously should be given an annual vaccination four to six months prior to lambing. If some or all of your breeding ewes are not 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 no later than 4-6 weeks after the first vaccination.
Category B (Optional)
Choose one:
-
Footbathing
Footbathing will prevent the spread of infection between ewes. The aim is to keep the number of lame ewes in the flock below 5% at any time. Farmers who select this action must conduct footbathing twice between April 1st and October 1st 2025. -
Plunge Dipping to control external parasites
Must be carried out by the selected date on your application of either the 17th of October or the 28th of November 2025 with documentary evidence of completion. Sheep showers do not qualify for payment under the NSWS.
Who Can Apply?
Payments are based on the average number of eligible breeding ewes declared in the Sheep Census for 2022, 2023, and 2024. If your 2024 return is higher than the average, you may claim up to the 2024 number. You must carry out welfare actions on this full number of ewes.
The scheme is currently open for applications with a closing date of 15th of May 2025. The completion of three chosen actions are mandatory for the payment of €13 per ewe.
Where a farmer fails to complete both the Category A and Category B actions selected upon application, no payment will be made and an administrative penalty of 20%, €2.60 per ewe, on the overall amount which would have been paid will be applied.
Application Details
Applications can only be made online at www.agfood.ie either by the applicant or their FAS advisor by 15th May 2025.
For any queries regarding the National Sheep Welfare Scheme contact your local Teagasc office.