There have been a number of queries received over the last week regarding the Areas of Natural Constraint and satisfying stocking rate requirements. There are two stocking rate requirements. First, applicants must satisfy a minimum stocking rate averaging equal to or greater than 0.15 livestock units per eligible forage hectare across the calendar year.

The second aspect applicants must meet is to maintain a stocking rate equal or greater than 0.15LU/ha across a consecutive seven month period within the calendar year. The latter requirement has attracted more attention in 2020, given many marts temporarily ceased trading during the coronavirus pandemic.

There were calls for a relaxation on the stocking rate retention requirement at the time and a number of queries have been received asking if this is still being considered. This request was addressed at the time and it is unlikely it will be revisited.

Applicants must satisfy a minimum stocking rate averaging equal to or greater than 0.15 livestock units per eligible forage hectare across the calendar year

The then Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said it had the potential to have an adverse effect on the trade for store cattle and weanlings.

He also pointed out that eliminating the condition would qualify a substantial number of farmers who had not previously applied for the scheme. This, he said, would result in funding for the scheme having to be shared out among a larger number of farmers and would affect current payment rates.

Animal values

Table 1 details the livestock unit values for eligible animals. It should be noted that from 2020 onwards, donkeys are no longer allowed to satisfy 100% of stocking rate requirements and will be capped at fulfilling a maximum of 50% of their normal stocking rate allowance for 2020.

This change could be affecting in the region of 900 applicants and the figure of 2,000 plus donkeys that are used to claim ANC payments, if applicants were relying solely on donkeys and have not made alternative arrangements.

Last week’s feature on payments also highlighted that in some circumstances, proof is required to show that stocking rate requirements have been met. In the case of cattle, the stocking rate is automatically calculated through the Animal Identification and Movement database.

Sheep figures are based on the returns received in the annual National Sheep and Goat census. Where the most recent census return had inadequate numbers to satisfy the stocking rate requirement, but numbers have since been increased to do so, then applicants may have to submit their flock register to show that they possess the required numbers.

All farms where donkeys or horses are retained must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in accordance with S.I. No. 8 of 2012, Diseases of Animals Act 1966 (Registration of Horse Premises) Order 2012.

If the same number of farmers are deemed eligible in 2020, there is in the region of 13,000 farmers awaiting payment

With regard to horses, they are deemed to be eligible to satisfy ANC requirements if they are held on an equine breeding enterprise. This is defined in the terms and conditions as a holding that has bred a foal in either 2018 or 2019 from a mare registered on the holding in 2019. The mare must be registered in a stud book approved by the Department, with pedigree recorded (sire and dam).

Regular payment runs

Payments under the 2019 ANC scheme were made to 99,147 applicants, meaning that if the same number of farmers are deemed eligible in 2020, there is in the region of 13,000 farmers awaiting payment.

The Department is advising that cases will be processed for payment once this requirement has been confirmed, with the Department practicing regular payment runs to ensure the money reaches farmers as soon as possible.