Payments for the €10/ewe sheep welfare scheme will roll out in November 2017.

This was according to Department of Agriculture officials speaking at the first of a series of information meetings in Dunmanway, Co Cork, on Tuesday night.

With a deadline for applications of 31 January and enough money to pay out on every ewe in the country, the Department encouraged as many farmers as possible to apply.

All who sent in census forms in 2014, 2015 and 2016 have received application forms. Anyone who has not submitted one must do so as soon as possible and explain why they didn’t do one in those years.

Listen to "Sheep information meeting in Dunmanway" on Spreaker.

Provisions will be made for new entrants and those returning to sheep. Department officials asked farmers to get in contact if you did not get an application form.

There is an opt-out option every year and unlike other schemes there is no clawback if you wish to leave. While the sheep welfare scheme is renewable annually, a farmer cannot opt out if they have an administration or inspection issue.

One of the main issues raised at the meeting was the short notice for inspections, especially for hill farmers.

Michael Gottstein of Teagsc reminded farmers that once they pick their required tasks there is no changing for four years.

He urged each farmer to think about which task benefits them most and consider the circumstance of their flock. Those with mixed flocks need to think carefully when choosing tasks as they apply to whole flocks.

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Full details of €10/ewe sheep payment