National Beef Welfare Scheme opens for 2026 applications
With applications now being invited from eligible suckler farmers, David Argue, Teagasc Beef Specialist, takes a closer look at the Beef Welfare Scheme 2026.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has announced the opening of the 2026 Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS), with applications now being invited from eligible suckler farmers.
The scheme is broadly similar to the 2025 programme. However, it includes a new option this year to vaccinate eligible animals against bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the strain currently circulating.
Under the scheme, farmers will receive €35 per eligible calf for completing the mandatory meal-feeding action, with payment available on a maximum of 45 calves. Participants can also choose from two optional actions. Vaccination will attract a payment of up to €15 per calf, while the faecal testing or forage testing option will pay €25 per calf.
The BWS is designed to support good animal welfare and performance, particularly around the weaning period. Meal feeding of suckler calves at weaning is a mandatory element, while the additional voluntary actions provide farmers with opportunities to improve animal health and performance and maximise their payment under the scheme.
Record keeping
Farmers participating in the scheme are reminded of the importance of keeping all relevant documentation. Receipts for meal purchased for the mandatory feeding action should be retained, along with receipts relating to vaccination, faecal testing or forage testing, where these optional actions are selected.
Participants must also maintain the required records and provide them to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine if requested. Keeping accurate and up-to-date records will help ensure the efficient processing of scheme applications and payments
Eligibility
Suckler farmers can apply where they have eligible calves born on their holding between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
Applications must be submitted online through the MyAgFood portal by 5pm on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. There will be no provision for late applications. The closing date is intended to allow sufficient time for applications to complete the required validation checks and for payments to be made before the end of the year.
Please get in touch with your local Teagasc Office to organise an appointment to apply for the scheme.