Both the 2014 Farm Safety Scheme and the new TAMS II grants are driving huge interest in sheep handling systems, according to Dessie Donohoe of Performance Steel in Oldcastle, Co. Meath.

He says he is ‘inundated’ with calls since the schemes were launched and has delivered new sheep handling systems to farmers throughout the country.

Under the 2014 Farm Safety Grant, farmers could avail of 40% grant aid for sheep handling equipment. This year, sheep handling equipment will be among the items eligible for grant aid under the new TAMS II farm investment schemes.

Farmers will be able to avail of grant aid of 40% with eligible young farmers entitled to grant aid of 60% for the equipment.

Young farmers interested in investing in sheep handling facilities can apply for TAMS II support via the Young Farmer Capital Investment scheme opened by Minister Coveney in June. The scheme including sheep handling equipment has yet to open for other farmers under TAMS II.

Minister Coveney said he would be making further announcements in the coming weeks on the launch of the remaining TAMS Schemes, including the new Low Emission Slurry Spreading Scheme which is also being prioritised for early opening.

According to Donohoe, the most popular sheep handling systems which he distributes include:

For more information on these systems contact Performance Steel in Oldcastle Co. Meath at www.persteel.com or phone (049) 8542 907.