The schemes year is drawing to a conclusion with balancing, advance and full payments rolling out across many schemes in December. However, there is still a number of important deadline dates that must be adhered to over the final six weeks of the year. These are summarised in Table 1.

Looking a little closer at upcoming dates, farmers in the National Sheep Welfare Scheme who opted for the extended deadline to complete actions have until 28 November to do so.

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Farmers do not need to submit any documentation but must complete their scheme action record book and have this available if requested.

Genotype samples

The final date to return genotype samples in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme is 30 November 2025. Where less than 90% of the required number of samples are returned then there will be no payment on that action which accounts for 20% of the overall payment plus there will be a penalty imposed calculated at 30% of the payment for the genotype action.

Replacement DNA sampling kits or tags can be ordered through HerdPlus or by contacting the HerdPlus office by phone at 023-8820452 or the SCEP helpline at 023-8832883.

All dairy farmers must have a minimum of four weeks soiled water storage from 1 December 2025. This applies to all herds regardless of if they are liquid milk or spring milk producers.