There are a number of important deadline dates falling due in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) in the coming days.

The first of these is the female replacement strategy.

Under this action, applicants are required to ensure that on 31 October at least 65% of their yearly reference number are eligible females that are genotyped four- or five-star on the replacement index on a within or across breed basis.

ADVERTISEMENT

This requirement is at the time of purchase for replacements brought into the herd or at the time of genotyping for those replacements bred within the herd. Females must be at least 16 months old to be deemed eligible.

As detailed in Table 1, failure to satisfy the female replacement strategy target will result in no payment for this action, which makes up 20% of the overall annual payment, plus a 30% additional penalty.

Weighing deadline

The next deadline which must be satisfied is weight recording. This requires participants to weigh at least 80% of cow/calf pairs of the yearly reference number validly in any scheme year.

The deadline to record such weights with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is 5.30pm on 1 November. Failure to record weights will result in no payment for this action (20% of overall payment) plus an additional 10% penalty in the year the breach occurs.

The animals concerned are those born in scheme year three which as detailed Table 2 runs from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.

Genotyping

The number of animals to be genotyped each year is at least the equivalent to 70% of the participants annual reference number rounded down to the nearest animal. Genomic samples for year three must be returned by 30 November 2025. It is in the applicant’s best interests to return the samples as soon as possible to facilitate the maximum payment received in the December payment run.

Where between 90% and 100% of the required reference number of animals are genotyped, then a reduction in genotyping payment based on the percentage submitted will apply. Where less than 90% of the required number are genotyped then the penalty schedule in Table 1 will apply.

Data submission

Data collection accounts for 20% of the annual payment – split in to 10% of the annual payment for record keeping and another 10% for event recording. Farmers have until 15 February 2026 to submit such data for year three of the scheme but delaying recording beyond November will mean that payment on that action will not take place until a later date.

Where between 80% and 100% of the required data is submitted then a proportionate reduction based on the percentage of data submitted will apply. However, if less than 80% of the required data is submitted then a 10% penalty will apply. This is calculated on the sum of money attributed to the action and it is important to note that it will be reimbursed if the required data is submitted by 15 February 2026.

For example, a farmer due to receive a payment of €3,000 under SCEP will receive €600 for action five.

If data is submitted when scheme payments are being processed at the end of November then the €600 payment will be included in the overall payment.

If, however, there is insufficient data recorded then the €600 payment will be withheld plus there will be a 10% penalty, amounting to €60, imposed. If the farmer subsequently records the required data by 15 February 2026 then the payment will be sanctioned penalty reimbursed.

If not then, the penalty stands. The sooner information is recorded the better it is in terms of ensuring maximum payments are sanctioned when payments commence in mid-December.