Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, takes a closer look at the steps involved in submitting your Sheep Census for 2025.
All sheep farmers are obliged to carry out a sheep census annually and submit details to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The date that has been selected by DAFM is 31st December 2025. The sheep farmer must count the number of sheep in the different categories that are present on the flock/holding on that date.
What documentation should I have received in the post?
All sheep flock keepers should by now have received the following by post in late December/early January:
- A letter entitled 2025 National Sheep Census which should be read carefully as it contains all the necessary information to submit a census
- Paper version of 2025 Sheep Census to be used if submitting by post
- Preaddressed envelope to be used if submitting by post
Can I continue to submit my sheep census by post?
Yes, by completing all the relevant sections on the paper version of the 2025 sheep census form that was sent out in the post. You will note that this form is prepopulated with a bar code, your name and herd/flock number. If you didn’t get one or have mislaid it, you need to contact he DAFM Sheep ID section helpline on 01-5058723 or sheepid@agriculture.gov.ie immediately. Ensure the form is signed and dated and posted well in advance of the 30th of January deadline in the envelope provided. It is essential to keep a copy of the postal submission and send by registered post as this will be the only acceptable proof of postage should your form get lost in transit.
Where can I make an online sheep census submission?
You can submit a sheep census online by logging in to your MyAgFood.ie account using your personal log-on details. When you select My Animals, you will then have the option to access AIM services. You then select Sheep – Keeper if prompted followed by selecting Census and then selecting Create. There is a step-by-step guide at the back of the paper version of the census form you received in the post. The other alternative for online submission is using the AIM services digital app which can be downloaded onto mobile devices and computers. In either case, when you are satisfied that all relevant sections are completed accurately make sure to Confirm when prompted to do so.
How will I know the online sheep census is submitted?
You will get confirmation that the form has been submitted successfully in a green text box at the top of the screen. Be sure to check this before logging out of AIM. If you are not being allowed to move on to the Confirmation screen, check for any missing details which will be highlighted in red.
What if I don’t have any sheep on 31st December 2025?
You should still submit a census form either by post or online. You can skip straight to section D where you have two options – no sheep at present but wish to remain registered as a flockowner or no sheep and not intending to re-enter sheep farming in the short term.
When is the deadline for submitting the sheep census?
The closing date for submitting your sheep census by post is 30th January 2026. Online submission is possible up to 14th February 2026. Don’t put this important task on the long finger as along with being a legal requirement it is also a condition of eligibility for the various sheep related schemes. The sheep numbers for Sheep Census 2025 are not changing at this stage so now is the time to complete it rather than risk missing the deadline.