Mobile handling units are always a common feature of the Ploughing Championships. With the attractive grant aid that is available through TAMS, these mobile handling units can provide a good option for farmers not only financially but also to reduce labour on farm. However, it is important that farmers are aware of the required specifications if planning to invest. It is important to note that all reference costs are not including the VAT.

Cattle handling units

For a mobile cattle crush, it must be a minimum of 2m long and be fitted with a sculling gate, this can be either manual or automatic.

The crush must also be fitted with a back gate. The reference cost for a mobile cattle crush is €1,568/unit, so if you purchase a more expensive option you will only get grant aid on €1,568.

Mobile cattle penning would often be purchased in conjunction with a crush. The reference cost for the investment is €43.50/m with a maximum of 75 linear metres of penning eligible for grant-aid.

Other extras that may be used with the mobile cattle handling unit include a weighing scales with a reference cost of €1,364, a head scoop which has a reference cost of €379 or a leg hoist which has a reference cost of €252.

Sheep handling units

A portable basic sheep handling race must be a minimum of 2.4m long, when in operation. It is measured as the section between the front gate and the rear gate and may include two pens sections to act as a funnel to direct sheep into the race. The reference cost for the basic unit is €881.96. For a sheep handling race with wheels the reference cost increases to €3,186.54. This can be with or without a footbath.

There are several additions that can be made to the handling unit, or which can be got separately. These include a rollover crate which has a reference cost of €847.92 and a weighing scales at a cost of €845.92.

Sheep penning for a mobile unit is valued at €27.93/m up to a maximum of 75m. The penning must be at least 970mm high and have a minimum of six rails.

Minimum investment

The minimum investment which is eligible for approval through TAMS is €2,000 per application. There is the possibility of making several applications through the scheme up to a maximum of €80,000 per holding. However, it is important to note that grant aid will only be paid on investments that have prior approval. While some TAMS applications are complex, these type of fixed item investments are relatively straight forward to apply for.