IFA Encourages Farmers to Send in Suckler Welfare Data


 
IFA National Livestock Committee Chairman Michael Doran has strongly encouraged suckler farmers to notify ICBF that they have commenced meal feeding under the Sucker Cow Welfare Scheme this year.
 
Michael Doran said suckler farmers can get paid under the welfare scheme this year provided they submit the meal feeding and weaning dates as soon as possible. “The Department have confirmed to IFA they are in a position to make payments for 2011 in December provided the data is returned to ICBF in good time.”
 
He said, “To date this year the Department have paid out €20.4m on 510,000 animals from the 2010 scheme. €24m was paid out on over 600,000 animals under the 2009 scheme and a total of €64m for the 2008 scheme, when the payment rate was €80 per cow.”
 
The IFA Livestock Chairman also encouraged suckler farmers to finalise any outstanding payments or queries with the Department of Agriculture from either their 2009 or 2010 applications. He said the Department are continuing to resolve problems and make payments due on outstanding animals under the Sucker Welfare Scheme.<span>    </span>
 
Michael Doran said it is absolutely essential that Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney fully protects the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme in the forthcoming budget. “The Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme is critical to supporting the national suckler herd and Ireland’s ability to service high value retail contracts across Europe and the UK.”

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