Suckler beef scheme to reward farmers in Northern Ireland

Farmers in Northern Ireland could be eligible for payments of up to £100 a cow through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) Suckler Cow Scheme, which is due to get underway on 1 April.

The four-year scheme will incentivise beef producers for achieving shorter calving intervals.

Deara’s Suckler Cow Scheme forms part of the NI government’s Beef Sustainability Package, which is designed to improve productivity and reduce livestock emissions.

See also: NI Farm Welfare Bill poised for final push at Stormont

A maximum calving interval of 415 days will be required during the first year of the scheme to be eligible, and heifers should be aged less than 34 months at first calving.

The maximum calving interval drops to 405 days during the second year of the scheme, 395 days during the third year, and 385 days for the fourth year.

Meanwhile, the age at first calving to be eligible drops to 32 months in the second year, up to 30 months in year three, and 29 months and under in year four.

First payments are scheduled to be made to farm businesses in 2026, at the end of year one.

A total quota of 222,000 animals has been set. If this threshold is reached, the payment rate could potentially be reduced.

UFU support 

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) broadly supports the measures, but says it is essential that the scheme remains practical and achievable for its members.

UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said: “We are pleased to see the Suckler Cow Scheme moving forward, providing much-needed support for suckler farmers.

“However, we have raised concerns with Daera regarding the scheme’s start date in April, which coincides with a busy spring-calving period.

“The different calving intervals based on dates could create challenges for farmers. For example, a cow calving on 31 March 2026 will require a calving interval of 415 days, whereas a cow calving on 1 April 2026 will need to calve within 405 days.”

Mr Cuddy added that it will be vital that farmers fully understand the eligibility requirements in order to ensure clarity and fairness.

NI sheep sector

The National Sheep Association’s (NSA) regional division in Northern Ireland complains that sheep farmers have been left out of recent support measures announced by Daera through its Sustainable Agriculture Programme.

NSA Northern Ireland region co-ordinator Ellen Moorehead said: “There is not only a lack of a dedicated sheep scheme, but also a disheartening absence of any indication of future development in this area.

“This omission is particularly perplexing given the robust state of the NI sheep industry. Market demand is on the rise, prices remain steady, and our consumer base continues to expand.

“Yet, we find ourselves feeling like the ‘forgotten child’ of NI agriculture.

“Our concerns, repeatedly voiced through meetings with the minister, Daera officials, the Aera [Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs] committee, and our contributions to the sheep task force, appear to have fallen on deaf ears.”