The closing date for applications under the Beef Finishers Payment is this Wednesday (September 9), meaning farmers have just three days to get their applications in.

Thus far, at the latest count, the department has received some 22,548 applications. These applicants have claimed payment on a total of 406,374 animals.

This indicates that the average number of animals being claimed on by each applicant is approximately 18.

There is scope for farmers to claim payment for up to 100 eligible animals per herd. Based on estimates of eligible animals, a rate in the region of €100 per animal will be payable.

In the event of an over-subscription, the rate of payment per animal will be subject to a linear cut in order to remain within the available overall budget of €50 million.