The National Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme is designed to increase the economic and environmental efficiency of beef animals coming from the dairy herd while supporting farmers involved in rearing this type of livestock. Better quality data on herd performance generated from participation in the scheme will support on farm decision making and improve integration of the dairy and beef sectors.

Eligible applicants must have an active herd number with Herd Owner status, submitted a Basic Income Support for Sustainability application in 2023 and had a male calf of a dairy breed OR a male or female calf of a beef breed sire born to a dairy breed dam in your herd.

Eligible calves must have been at least 12 weeks of age at the time of weighing and been registered on the holding they are being weighed on for a minimum of 10 days prior to the date of weighing. Eligible calves must have been in the applicant’s herd for at least 10 days before weighing and born between 1st July 2022 and 30 June 2023

Actions needed to qualify:

• • A minimum of 5 eligible calves must be weighed.
  • Calves must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of weighing.
  • All weights must be submitted within 7 days of weighing and before 1 November 2023

To receive payment all actions must be completed in full. Payments are made up to €20 per weighed calf. A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 50 eligible calves must be weighed. All recorded weights must be submitted to the ICBF.