4,600 herds, 85,700 cows gone from SCEP since inception
Agriland can reveal 4,600 herds and 85,700 cows have gone from SCEP since its inception.
The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) has been subject to criticism from farm lobby groups and suckler farmers since it was initially rolled out.
Many farmers expressed frustration at what they said was "overly onerous" criteria required to be eligible for the scheme, and figures obtained by Agriland show there has been a drop-out rate of over 20%.
The table below outlines some of the key details on the number of herds and cows in the SCEP:
| Number of herds eligible for payment | Yearly reference number (Number of cows) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of applications: | 20,864 | 497,094 |
| Year 1 (2023) | 16,995 | 428,042 |
| Year 2 (2024) | 15,985 | 405,274 |
| Herds remaining in SCEP as of July 28, 2025 | 16,241 | 411,409 |
Responding to a query from Agriland on the number of cows and herds entered in SCEP over each of the scheme years, a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said: "The number of herds who applied to participate in SCEP during the opening period for applications between March 20, 2023 and the late closing period for applications on June 16, 2023 was 20,864 herds, equating to a yearly reference number of 497,094."
Since commencement of the scheme in March 2023:
- 3,275 farmers have been removed from SCEP;
- A further 1,348 participants have opted to withdraw themselves.
The main reasons participants were removed from the programme include:
- Failing to calve down a minimum of 50% of their yearly reference number within the scheme year (circa 38%);
- Failing to apply for Bord Bia/having continued participation in Bord Bia (circa 52%).
The balance of approximately 10% are comprised of participants who failed to submit a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application in either 2023, 2024, or 2025 and/or participants who failed three out of four of the scheme actions, as well as those who failed to complete the SCEP training by the required deadline.
A total of 16,995 herds were eligible for payment in respect of scheme year 1 (2023), equating to a yearly reference number of 428,042.
15,985 herds were eligible for payment in respect of scheme year 2 (2024), equating to a yearly reference number of 405,274.
"As herds become eligible for payment, they will be picked up for payment on subsequent payment runs," according to DAFM.
As of July 28, 2025, there are currently 16,241 participants remaining in SCEP, with a yearly reference number of 411,409.
