The last date for buying livestock into your holding, if not already on hand, to meet the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme seven-month retention period is fast approaching. The retention period for the 2018 scheme is seven consecutive months within the calendar year, where the stocking density on the holding has to be equal to or greater than 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare. This is the last chance in 2018 for farmers to meet the requirements of the ANC scheme if they have not done so already.

The last seven-month consecutive period available in 2018 to meet the minimum requirement is 1 June to 31 December inclusive. In addition to meeting the retention period, applicants must also maintain an annual average of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the 12 months of the calendar year. Applicants must own, possess, hold and maintain the livestock required to maintain the minimum stocking level.