The long-awaited Beef Welfare Scheme is now open for applications, Martina Donnelly, Teagasc Drystock Advisor, tells us what farmers need to know and how to apply.
The Scheme opened on the 15th of August and will remain open until the 24th of September with payments scheduled for December.
Similar to previous Beef Welfare schemes, this one-year scheme aims to further improve the economic efficiency, animal health and husbandry on suckler farms by supporting key animal welfare actions and aims to help farmers increase productivity while building healthier, more resilient herds. It is open to all suckler beef farmers with eligible calves born to eligible suckler cows between the 1st July 2024 and the 30th July 2025. Farmers will be presented with the number of eligible calves born on their holding during this time at application stage and will have the option at application stage to select the number of calves for participation in the scheme.
The eligible number of calves that can applied for has also increased to 45.
There are three actions available under the scheme – Action 1 is mandatory, Actions 2 and 3 are optional.
Meal Feeding -Mandatory Action
Farmers must meal-feed calves before and after weaning. The main benefits to meal feeding calves pre and post weaning are that it helps reduce the overall stress of weaning.
The recommended daily feeding allowance for meal feeding is 1kg per animal per day for a period of 4 weeks pre-weaning and 2kgs per animal per day for 2 weeks post weaning. Farmers must introduce meal feeding for a period of 4 weeks pre-weaning and 2 weeks post-weaning to reduce the stress on calves at weaning time. Records of weaning dates and receipts for meal are to be maintained.
Vaccination- Optional Action
Farmers can choose to vaccinate calves against clostridial diseases or pneumonia. These illnesses can be fatal or cause major setbacks. Vaccinating at the right time significantly reduces risks during stressful periods like weaning or housing. Records of the date and type of vaccination programme implemented must be retained.
Parasite Control or Forage Testing – Optional Action
There are two options here, farmers must select one.
Faecal egg testing to detect parasites like worms or fluke, allowing for targeted dosing and reducing resistance to wormers. Farmers must request a test kit from an approved laboratory and carry out two faecal tests (with a minimum of four weeks between each test) for specified parasites and submit for testing. A record must be kept by each participant on the purchase and use of test kits. Test kits must be purchased no later than 13 October 2025 and farmers must retain copies of all receipts of purchase.
Silage analysis to check the quality of forage, ensuring your feed meets the nutritional needs of calves and cows through the winter. Farmers must take three forage samples and submit for testing. The silage sample report will detail the feeding quality characteristics of the forage such as its dry matter (DM), its digestibility (DMD), protein content, fibre content and energy value. These reports and details of the analysis must be retained.
Example Payment for 20 Calves
If a farmer completes all available actions for 20 calves, the payment adds up as follows:
- Meal feeding: €35 x 20 = €700
- Vaccination: €15 x 20 = €300
- Faecal sampling or silage testing: €25 x 20 = €500
Total: €1500
As we all know, healthy calves are the key to a profitable system. By investing a little extra time in health and nutrition, farmers can reduce vet bills, improve daily weight gains, and increase future sale value. This scheme helps cover those costs and rewards proactive management.
Meal feeding ensures smoother weaning and better growth. Vaccination protects against costly diseases. Parasite testing helps avoid overuse of wormers, while forage testing means more targeted feeding for the winter months.
In a time of rising costs and tighter margins, the 2025 Beef Welfare Scheme is a practical and timely support for the beef sector. By focusing on calf health and farm efficiency, the scheme rewards good practice while strengthening future returns.
Applications must be made through the AgFood online portal or by contacting your advisor.
Further details on the scheme and the approved laboratories are available here