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The changes announced by the Department this Friday are expected to accommodate most of the 1,700 farmers not yet compliant with the 30 June stock bull deadline, leaving over 500 with a choice to buy a new bull this month or face penalties.
Bulls upgraded to four of five stars
This is the most straightforward situation. "There were bulls on farms that were three-star after the first genotyping, but are now four- or five-star. That was part of the feedback we received," said Andrew Cromie of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).
The Irish Farmers Journal understands that around 300 herds will now be eligible as a result.
Bulls not yet genotyped
Some bulls' genomic evaluations are under way and more tissue samples may be sent to the ICBF this month.
The next rounds of genomic evaluations will be published on 22 July and 23 September.
If you send samples before 30 June and your bull is confirmed to be four- or five-star in either of those rounds, he will be eligible.
If samples are sent this month for all bulls not yet genotyped, it is understood that 800 to 900 will qualify under this new rule, with results beginning to go out to farmers next week.
Some farmers bought bulls this spring, but didn't realise they weren't genotyped
"This issue has arisen because some farmers bought bulls this spring, but didn't realise they weren't genotyped," said Cromie.
Although genotyping is becoming the norm in pedigree sales, it does not yet cover all bulls before sale.
If a bull was bought as a low four-star and turns out to be three-star after genotyping, he will not qualify and the farmer will incur a BDGP penalty.
If you're buying a non-genotyped bull this month to meet the requirements of the scheme, Cromie's advice is to get a five-star animal in case its rating drops after genotyping.
More generally, advice from the ICBF when buying a new stock bull is to ensure that the bull has a published genomic evaluation by searching his tag number in the ICBF animal search website or app.
A tag in the bull’s ear does not necessarily mean that the bull has a genomic evaluation.
Penalty
This leaves 500 to 600 herds with stock bulls that won't meet the scheme's requirements.
The Irish Farmers Journal understands they will receive letters next week to advise them that they need to buy a four- or five-star genotyped bull this month or face a penalty.
If a herd fails the stock bull requirement, 60% of the 2019 BDGP payment will be cut. This is equivalent to a 10% clawback for each of the years 2015 to 2019 plus a 10% penalty.
The ICBF has advised participants in the scheme to check their herd’s compliance by logging into their ICBF account.
Once logged in, go to the 'View Profiles' dropdown and select 'BDGP Eligibility'.
If your herd is non-compliant on any of the breeding requirements, it will be highlighted by an X in a red box. If you do not have access to a computer, you can call the ICBF on 023-883 288.
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