Over 29,500 suckler and beef farmers applied to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) which launched on May 5, this year.

However, approximately 5% of the suckler farming participants have already dropped out of the scheme, with many citing ‘difficult requirements‘ as the key reason for exiting.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the scheme has funding of over €300m which will be distributed over the next six years as part of the Rural Development Programme (RDP).

Scheme participants will receive a payment of €142.50 for the first 6.66ha and €120 for each hectare thereafter, which is the equivalent of approximately €95/cow.

In return for this payment, farmers will have to undertake six requirements which include recording of calving details, completion of surveys, animal genotyping and breeding requirements.