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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Simon Coveney TD, today announced the opening of the application period for the new Beef Data Programme. This new Programme will continue the recognised success of the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme in improving and enhancing the quality of beef animals produced from the suckler herd in Ireland. Participating farmers are required to record data through the Animal Events System or the Department’s online system. In return farmers will receive payment of €20 for each of the first thirty calves and €10 for the next twenty. An additional €10 per animal will be paid for pedigree male animals who are genotyped.

The breeding data collected from participants in the Scheme will be used by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation to assist in compiling a comprehensive beef breeding database. The very detailed information on the database can be utilised by farmers when making breeding decisions. Minister Coveney said that “The collection and subsequent use of the data is extremely important for the continued improvement in the quality of the national beef herd, which will ultimately lead to improved profitability for farmers”.

The Minister said “I was determined to build on the success of the Suckler Welfare Scheme and accordingly, I allocated €10 million in 2013, financed from unspent Single Farm Payment Funds for this Programme for suckler beef farmers, which will assist farmers in improving the genetic quality of Irish cattle”.

Application forms and Terms and Conditions will be issued to all participants in Suckler Cow Scheme and will also be available on the Department’s website www.agriculture.gov.ie The closing date for receipt of all application forms is 15 May.