I have complied with the requirements of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) in terms of possessing a bull that is genotyped four or five stars up until my bull got injured and was slaughtered in December. I have since decided that I am not going to put cows back in calf this year. Do I need to have a bull on the farm regardless of this to meet scheme requirements?

BDGP requires a herd using a stock bull to have an eligible stock bull on 30 June 2020. Where a herdowner has decided not to put their cows back in calf this year then they are making a decision to “get out” of suckler cows before the programme ends. Farmers will have to talk to DAFM in such cases.

I did not meet the scheme requirement for having a four- or five-star genotyped bull in my herd in October. I slaughtered the bull in January with a view to replacing with a bull that will meet scheme requirements but am now hoping to carry out AI instead. Is this allowable or do I need to purchase a bull?

Firstly, the target date in 2019 for the stock bull was 30 June. A herdowner can switch to AI for the 2020 breeding season but they will have to provide DAFM with proof, eg AI bill/invoice. A herdowner should do this ahead of payments next December as failure to notify the DAFM will result in a penalty being applied to the herd.

At present, I am failing to meet the replacement target of 50% of my reference number of females being genotype four- or five-star. I was planning on purchasing in-calf or maiden heifers to increase my number but am restricted in purchasing due to TB in my herd. Is there any force majeure allowances for TB?

Herdowners that are restricted by TB or have any other restrictions on their herd in relation to movements, should make contact with DAFM.

Do I need to make up the 50% reference number of females with cows or can heifers which will be aged over 16 months on 31 October 2020 and genotyped four or five stars be sufficient to fulfil the criteria?

Once the female is more than 16 months on 31 October (born on/before 30 June 2019) they can be considered for eligibility. Apart from the age requirements, females must meet the star rating criteria to be deemed eligible.

My reference number of cows is eight animals. I carry out AI and have a couple of rare breed cows which I would like to breed pure but there are no four or five star sires available. This will lead to me failing to meet AI targets of at least 80% of sires selected being rated as four or five star. Is there a special allowance that can be made in such circumstances?

The fact that the AI requirement is for 80% four- or five-star AI bulls already leaves an allowance for AI bulls to be used that are not four- or five-star. Where a herdowner wants to go below 80% they will have to make contact with DAFM and explain their situation.

I bought two cows in 2017. They were born in 2011. They are genotyped five stars but they are coming up as ineligible on my BDGP report.

Any females purchased into the herd since 5 June 2015 (official start date of BDGP) must have been born on/after 1 January 2013 to be considered for eligibility. Cows born before 2013 and purchased in since 5 June 2015 will never be eligible for BDGP, regardless of star rating.

What is the last date for sending away BDGP samples to make sure that deadlines are met?

Samples (either hair cards or tissue tags) must be returned to the lab no later than 8 July to ensure animals have a genomic evaluation in the evaluation on 22 September. This is the last evaluation before the 31 October deadline.

If a bull dies between now and 31 October, how long will I have to replace him?

The 31 October is only applicable to females. The important date for stock bulls is 30 June 2020. Where a herd is using a stock bull, then it is required to have at least one BDGP eligible (genotyped four- or five-star) stock bull in the herd on 30 June. If for some reason there is no bull in the herd on 30 June, eg herd is autumn calving, has sold the last stock bull and will not need another stock bull until November/December, then they should contact DAFM to clarify their situation.

What is the likelihood of another BDGP scheme operating after 2020?

ICBF would hope that there is but cannot give any indication currently as to whether there will be a new scheme or not. Any such decisions will have to be made by DAFM.