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A network of over 400 cattle weighing scales is to be set up in over 20 locations for the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP) scheme.
The ICBF has estimated that the 400 scales will be required to weigh 500,000 cows and calves across 20,000 herds, according to documents seen by the Irish Farmers Journal.
Depending on the take-up of the pilot scheme, a further 100 scales may be required.
The scales will cost ICBF €800,000 and will be distributed to between 20 and 40 locations before the end of March 2019.
BEEP was announced in Budget 2019 as a bolt-on to the BDGP scheme.
A budget of €20m has been set aside for the one-year pilot with a payment of €40 per calf-cow unit weighed by a farmer.
The scales will be rented by farmers who do not have their own weighing equipment.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has said the scales will cost farmers less than €50 to rent.
Along with a company to supply the scales, a field service provider will also be required to operate the weighing system and oversee their distribution to farmers.
This is estimated to cost €500,000.
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