Reopening €25M Welfare Scheme a win for farmers
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan–Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the reopening of the €25 million Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme (DBWS), calling it “a real win for farmers across our region.”
Now open for new applicants, the scheme is part of the EU-backed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan and runs from 2024 to 2027. The scheme aims to strengthen the link between the dairy and beef sectors by improving the welfare and value of male calves from dairy herds.
Speaking on the reopening Deputy Smith stated, “This scheme delivers real, practical support to farmers in Cavan and Monaghan. It promotes better breeding practices, improved animal welfare, and stronger farm viability – exactly the kind of targeted investment our sector needs.”
Under the DBWS, participating dairy farmers are supported to use AI straws or stock bulls rated at least three stars on both the Dairy Beef Index and its beef sub-index. The goal is to breed more robust, higher-value calves suitable for beef production.
Year two of the scheme has already seen over 7,600 farmers receive €4.73 million in payments, with those enrolled in 2024 automatically re-rolled into 2025. Farmers who meet the requirements will receive €20 per eligible calf, up to 50 calves per holding.
“This scheme is about rewarding farmers who go the extra mile and recognising their work towards more sustainable and robust farming practices. They deserve continued support for the work they do.”
Deputy Smith also highlighted additional supports: “Alongside the DBWS, the €4 million National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme is open until 15 May. This further reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting a sustainable and integrated dairy-beef sector.”
Applications for new entrants are open online via Agfood.ie until 11:59pm on 15 May 2025. Farmers can also apply through an authorised FAS advisor.
Concluding Deputy Smith stated, “This funding is a strong recognition of the hard work our farmers do daily. I will continue to work alongside my Fianna Fáil colleagues to ensure farmers across out island are represented at the highest level and they receive the support that they need, and deserve.”