Targeted payments boosting herd quality and welfare – Smith

A local TD has welcomed the roll-out of over €275,000 in payments to 487 farmers across Cavan and Monaghan under the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme, as marking a significant investment in the region’s farming sector.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon TD, confirmed that payments for the first year of the CSP Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme have now begun to issue.

Nationally, over €4.73 million is being distributed to more than 7,600 participating farmers.

“This is a very positive development for local farmers who are proactively enhancing herd quality and animal welfare," said Local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith.

“The Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme supports better breeding practices by encouraging the use of higher-quality beef sires within the dairy herd. It’s encouraging to see this targeted support reaching those who are making improvements on the ground.”

The initiative, which forms part of the CAP Strategic Plan, provides financial backing for calves born between January and December 2024 that meet specific welfare and breeding standards. Each eligible farmer can receive €20 per calf, up to a maximum of 50 calves.

Deputy Smith concluded, “This scheme not only offer additional financial support to farmers but plays a key role in improving the integration of dairy and beef sectors. I’m glad to see hundreds of farmers across Cavan and Monaghan benefiting from this important funding.

“I will continue to highlight the issues our farmers face, and the support they need from government and also at European Union level.”

Farmers who took part in the 2024 scheme will be automatically enrolled for the next year, while new applications will be accepted when the scheme reopens in April 2025.