The Farm Safety Scheme is turning out to be popular with over 3,000 applications submitted to the Department of Agriculture by the start of this week. That number will rise as the scheme remains open until 9 January 2015. The scheme pays 40% grant aid on a wide range of farmyard safety items.

According to first estimates by the Department, mobile livestock handling equipment, new yard lights, replacement of damaged slats and replacement of existing internal agitation point with new gang slats are proving to be popular.

Applications are being examined on an ongoing basis and applicants are being contacted where queries arise with applications. As with any scheme where selection criteria operate, all applications will have to be processed before approvals can issue. Applicants must wait for approval before purchasing items.