The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is to reopen next week, with farmers able to apply from 19 April until 8 May.

The new scheme will be known as BDGP II and will run for six years like the previous scheme.

There are two minor changes to BDGP II – the carbon navigator and training under the scheme both need to be completed in year one of the programme.

All other requirements in the scheme remain the same as the previous BDGP scheme, including the reference year for calculating the number of eligible cows which is 2014. However, provisions will be made for new entrants who started farming after that date, the details of which are expected next week.

How to apply for BDGP II

BDGP II will be open for applications from next Wednesday 19 April and will close for applications on Monday 8 May 2017.

The Department of Agriculture advises that further details on the application process can be obtained by contacting the Department’s offices in Portlaoise (email beefschemes@agriculture.gov.ie or phone 076-106 4423).

Payment under BDGP II

Under BDGP II payment will be made at the rate of €142.50 for each of the first 6.66ha of eligible forage area and €120 on the remaining eligible forage area.

The eligible hectares on which an applicant is entitled to claim will be equal to the number of calved cows on his/her holding in 2014 (known as reference animals) divided by a standard stocking rate of 1.5.

This is subject to a limit which is set by the eligible forage land declared by the applicant on his/her 2014 Basic Payment Scheme application.

Will you be applying to BDGP II?

Participants must complete six actions under BDGP II

1. Calving details

Farmers in the scheme must register all newborn calves within 27 days of birth, provide sire number and complete survey relating to calving ease.

2. Surveys

Successful applicants must complete a range of surveys relating to the calves, cows and bulls in the applicant’s herd.

3. Genotyping

Farmers must genotype 60% of the number of reference animals selected by the ICBF annually.

4. Replacement strategy

  • Stock bull – at least one stock bull on the holding on 30 June 2021 must be a bull that has been genotyped four- or five-star on either the terminal or replacement index and this, or a similar four- or five-star bull, must be retained until 30 June 2022.
  • AI – when using AI, at least 80% of the AI used must be from four- or five-star bulls on the terminal or replacement index. This applies from 30 June 2018.
  • Leased bulls – specific conditions apply; see T&Cs.
  • Female replacements – applicants will be required to ensure that a percentage of his/her heifers/eligible suckler cows are genotyped females that are:

    (i) four or five stars on the replacement index (see T&Cs for specific conditions).

    (ii) at least 16 months old; and

    (iii)born in 2015 or later if not in the herd by the closing date for application.

    The number of heifers/eligible suckler cows meeting these requirements on each holding on 31 October 2020 must be equivalent to 20% of the number of the applicant’s reference animals (established based on 2014 stocking levels) and on 31 October 2022 must be equivalent to 50% of the applicant’s reference animals.

    • 5.Carbon navigator

    Applicants must complete a carbon navigator with an approved adviser before 31 October 2017 and provide data for annual updating.

    6.Training

    Applicants must attend a training course relating to this scheme before 31 October 2017.

    Read more

    Potential for at least 5,000 farmers to get into BDGP