Teagasc issues urgent deadline reminder for beef welfare scheme
Suckler farmers across the country have been reminded to submit their applications before the fast-approaching closing date. The initiative provides financial backing to improve animal health, biosecurity, and husbandry standards on holdings.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
•
⏱️ 2 min read
Suckler beef farmers have been urged to finalise their applications for the 2026 National Beef Welfare Scheme before the final deadline arrives on 23 September 2026 at 5pm. Anne O’Malley from Teagasc Advisory Mayo highlighted that the initiative is designed to boost economic efficiency while enhancing biosecurity, animal health, and general husbandry practices across participating holdings. Eligible applicants must ensure they keep thorough records and purchase receipts to demonstrate full compliance with the actions chosen during the application process.
Mandatory meal feeding forms a core part of the scheme, requiring participants to provide a compound ration containing essential vitamins and minerals for four weeks before weaning and two weeks afterwards. Recommended feeding rates stand at 1kg per calf daily pre-weaning and 2kg daily post-weaning, yielding a payment rate of €35 per eligible calf up to a cap of 45 animals. Additional optional measures include targeted vaccination programmes developed in consultation with a private veterinary practitioner, alongside faecal or forage testing options to optimise herd nutrition and parasite control.
Farmers requiring assistance with their digital submissions can contact their local advisory office for guidance. Furthermore, agricultural workers are reminded to exercise caution regarding farm safety during the busy autumn and winter periods, noting that Teagasc research links 65% of all agricultural injuries directly to livestock handling. Comprehensive information and application guidelines remain accessible directly through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website.
Mandatory meal feeding forms a core part of the scheme, requiring participants to provide a compound ration containing essential vitamins and minerals for four weeks before weaning and two weeks afterwards. Recommended feeding rates stand at 1kg per calf daily pre-weaning and 2kg daily post-weaning, yielding a payment rate of €35 per eligible calf up to a cap of 45 animals. Additional optional measures include targeted vaccination programmes developed in consultation with a private veterinary practitioner, alongside faecal or forage testing options to optimise herd nutrition and parasite control.
Farmers requiring assistance with their digital submissions can contact their local advisory office for guidance. Furthermore, agricultural workers are reminded to exercise caution regarding farm safety during the busy autumn and winter periods, noting that Teagasc research links 65% of all agricultural injuries directly to livestock handling. Comprehensive information and application guidelines remain accessible directly through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website.