Farmers who have implemented all measures in the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Suckler (BEEP-S) scheme “must receive their full payment”, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).
Commenting, IFA National Livestock Committee chairman Brendan Golden said latest figures indicate almost 530,000 cow and calf pairs in approximately 24,000 herds have carried out measures in the scheme.
“All of these farmers must receive their full payment for the measures they implemented,” he said.
The chairman said the viability of suckler farms is heavily dependent on meaningful support payments and he said the minister must ensure this money is paid out in full as soon as possible.
€35 million in national funding was allocated to BEEP-S last year in Budget 2020.
In terms of requirements under the programme, the weighing aspect of the scheme is mandatory and will involve a payment of €50/cow/calf on the first 10 and €40 on the remainder.
An additional €30 will be paid for an animal welfare action, with an option of a pre-weaning meal feeding programme or vaccination.
Another €10 is available for a faecal egg testing programme, the IFA noted.