The ideal time to weigh calves for the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) is when the majority of them are in the five- to eight-month age bracket, according to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

Weighing is a mandatory action under SCEP, making up to 20% of the yearly payment.

Farmers must weigh at least 80% of their eligible calves, born within the scheme year, along with their dams on the same day.

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The calf must be over 50 days of age and not yet weaned from its dam - calves must be weighed before they are weaned.

Autumn 2024-born suckler weanlings can now be weighed immediately, as well early spring-born weanlings.

For example, the ICBF has said that calves born between 1 July and September 2024 should have been weaned between 1 January and 31 March - and so on.

Submitting weights

Weights should be submitted to the ICBF within seven days of weighing and no later than 1 November annually.

Only registered scales used in accordance with the requirements may be used for the purpose of this programme.

Whether farmers wish to record weights online or are submitting weights by post, the deadline is 5.30pm on 1 November.

Scales can be rented through 100 depots spread across the country in co-ops, marts and FRS offices. Scales rented through the cattle weighing scales rental service are automatically linked to farmers' herds.

For farmers who may have recently purchased weighing scales, they must register the scales on the ICBF.

Benefits of weighing

According to the ICBF, weighing cattle provides accurate, animal-specific performance data which allows farmers to make more informed decisions – helping to improve both the productivity and efficiency of their cattle herd.