Mayo TD welcomes new €20m. beef scheme for suckler farmers

MAYO Deputy Michael Ring has welcomed the announcement that a new support scheme for the suckler sector will open for applications in early August.

The 2024 Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS) will have a budget of €20 million and includes measures to enhance animal health and husbandry on suckler farms.

As with previous national schemes, eligible calves are those born to eligible suckler cows in the period from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.

The scheme will consist of two measures aimed at improving on-farm efficiency: namely a mandatory meal feeding action and an optional vaccination action. Farmers can select the second action where they wish to improve overall herd health on their holdings.

“Suckler farmers make a significant contribution to the rural economy and this scheme will help to support the sector,” said Deputy Ring.