Over 15,000 farmers have applied to date for the National Beef Welfare Scheme (NBWS). The latest figures from the Department of Agriculture show that applications are running ahead of 2024 levels, with upwards of 10,000 more applications expected ahead of next week’s deadline of 24 September.

A higher payment of €75/eligible calf, up to a maximum of 45 head, is underpinning greater interest.

Meal feeding pre- and- post-weaning is the main component of the scheme, with a payment of €35/head. An optional action of clostridial disease or pneumonia vaccination offers additional payment of €15/head, while a new optional action of silage testing or faecal egg testing offers payment of €25/head.