Sheep scheme requirements for 2026 explained
Sheep farmers can benefit from two key support schemes by completing specific annual tasks. These initiatives help enhance flock welfare and sustainability while providing vital income support across Ireland's sheep sector.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
With much of the demanding seasonal work now behind them thanks to favourable weather, sheep farmers have an opportunity to review their compliance with key scheme requirements. Eamonn Patten, a Teagasc advisor, highlights the critical tasks linked to the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) and the National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) for 2026.
Farmers participating in the SIS must complete two annual tasks to qualify for payments of €12 per eligible breeding ewe. A notable requirement is the Genotyped Ram Action, mandating farmers with fewer than 150 ewes to purchase one genotyped ram within the first three years, while those with more than 150 ewes must purchase two. Rams must meet strict genomic testing criteria and be registered appropriately on the Sheep Ireland database, with documentation retained as proof. The requirement to maintain the full payable ewe reference number throughout the calendar year is vital, and any reduction below that level must be reported to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The NSWS offers €13 per eligible breeding ewe when farmers complete three specified actions—two from Category A (mandatory) and one from Category B (optional). Payments are calculated based on the average number of breeding ewes recorded in the 2023–2025 Sheep Census returns, with potential claims adjusted if the 2025 census figure is higher. Tasks include body condition scoring twice annually, timely vaccinations, and footbathing to reduce lameness. All actions must be documented with dated records such as photos and receipts by selected deadlines, either 17 October or 28 November 2025. Failure to fully comply results in no payment and a 20% administrative penalty on the payable amount. Farmers are advised to ensure all paperwork is meticulously maintained to confirm task completion and secure support payments.
Farmers participating in the SIS must complete two annual tasks to qualify for payments of €12 per eligible breeding ewe. A notable requirement is the Genotyped Ram Action, mandating farmers with fewer than 150 ewes to purchase one genotyped ram within the first three years, while those with more than 150 ewes must purchase two. Rams must meet strict genomic testing criteria and be registered appropriately on the Sheep Ireland database, with documentation retained as proof. The requirement to maintain the full payable ewe reference number throughout the calendar year is vital, and any reduction below that level must be reported to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The NSWS offers €13 per eligible breeding ewe when farmers complete three specified actions—two from Category A (mandatory) and one from Category B (optional). Payments are calculated based on the average number of breeding ewes recorded in the 2023–2025 Sheep Census returns, with potential claims adjusted if the 2025 census figure is higher. Tasks include body condition scoring twice annually, timely vaccinations, and footbathing to reduce lameness. All actions must be documented with dated records such as photos and receipts by selected deadlines, either 17 October or 28 November 2025. Failure to fully comply results in no payment and a 20% administrative penalty on the payable amount. Farmers are advised to ensure all paperwork is meticulously maintained to confirm task completion and secure support payments.
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