Sheep and goat farmers have until 31 January to return 2019 census forms by post or 14 February to complete the form online.

All completed postal returns must be received by Seefin Data Management at PO Box 17, An Post, Cahirdown, Listowel DSU, Co Kerry, by close of business on Friday 31 January 2020.

The Department said in the event of a 2019 census form being posted but not received by Seefin Data Management, the only acceptable proof of postage was a registered post receipt.

Online forms will be accepted until midnight on Friday 14 February.

Annual

Keepers are legally required to complete and return sheep and goat census information to the Department on an annual basis.

The census is used to determine if required stocking rates are being maintained and also facilitates the drawing down of payments under schemes such as the Sheep Welfare Scheme, BPS, ANC and GLAS.

The Department said the deadlines for postal or online returns will not be extended.

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