Today (Thursday 31 July) is the last day for farmers to ensure their herds are free of BVD PI animals to ensure they qualify for the Beef Genomic Scheme and for BVD compensation.

The extension to the original deadline of 15 June runs out this evening. Over 1,200 farmers had retained a total of 1,800 PIs on farm at that point. These farmers have been individually contacted by letter reminding them of the requirement to dispose of animals who tested positive or inconclusive for BVD in order to be approved for the Beef Genomic Scheme, worth €40 for all cows calved in 2014. The €120 compensation for PIs is also only available to farmers who remove all PIs by the 1 August deadline.