Up to €75/Calf available in new Beef Welfare Scheme
The 2025 Suckler Cow Beef Welfare Scheme is now open. Shane Devaney, Teagasc Roscommon, outlines what farmers need to know.
Suckler calves must be born during the period from the 1st of July 2024 to the 30th of June 2025. This is similar to the scheme in 2024 with a couple of additions. The maximum number of calves for payment has risen from 40 to 45, and up to three actions can be picked this year.
Meal Feeding
The first action is Meal Feeding pre-weaning and post-weaning which is mandatory. Participants 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. The rate of payment is €35/calf up to a maximum of 45 calves.
Vaccination
The second action is vaccination which is optional. If this action is selected at application stage, participants must implement a vaccination programme against clostridial diseases and / or calf pneumonia in suckler calves and record details of the vaccination. The rate of payment is €15/calf up to a maximum of 45 calves.
Faecal/Silage Testing
The third action is also optional, but you have a choice to pick either Faecal Testing or Forage Testing. Participants who chose Faecal Testing optional action must carry out two faecal tests with a minimum of four weeks between each test. All sampling kits must be purchased no later than 13 October 2025.
If participants chose the Forage Testing optional action, then they must take three forage samples and submit for testing to a suitable laboratory / testing facility of the participant’s choice for analysis. All sampling kits must be purchased no later than 13 October 2025. The rate of payment for the third action is €25/calf up to a maximum of 45 calves.
The closing date for Applications for the Beef Welfare Scheme is the 24th of September 2025.
Teagasc provides a Local Advisory and Education service to farmers. Find your local Teagasc office here.