Qualifying premia date fast approaching

Marts: With a strong trade continuing in the marts for all types of store cattle it is important for purchasers of bullocks to be conscious of the qualifying premia dates as the count-down to the change-over enters the final three months of the old regime.

Bullocks with a premia available are continuing to sell for up to €300 over €/kg with a little more being paid for choice lots, but there are purchasers paying up to €500 over €/kg for bullocks with clean ears, with the obvious intention of getting the last benefits out of the Special Beef Premia Scheme before it ends on December 31.

It is very important to keep in mind that the second SBP - at 21 months - cannot be applied for on any bullock born after April 30, 2003 before the end of the scheme. A clean ears bullock born from May 1, 2003 to May 30, 2004 is only eligible for one Beef Premia. If as in the case of most weanlings, he has not been castrated, it is more beneficial to apply for the bull premia which is worth €60/head more than the nine months SBP.