Suckler cow quota rights
Categories eligible for quota include farmers under 35 years of age applying for the first time in 2004; farmers on off-shore islands; organic farmers; and all others whose viability could be threatened without additional quota.
Allocations will be made in November, before the period for year 2004 applications for the suckler cow scheme, which will extend from January 1 to June 30 next.
The closing date for applications to the National Reserve is Friday, September 26, 2003.
PAYMENTS BEGIN Disadvantaged Area payments will commence on September 18.
The scheme has attracted an additional 2,700 farmers this year, resulting in extra payment of 6.5m.
EWE RIGHTS Applications for ewe premium quota rights from the National Reserve must be submitted by Friday, September 26 .
With almost 500,000 rights available, there are no restrictions on criteria for allocation.
However, farmers with commonage will be limited to the stocking levels established under the Commonage Framework Plans.
DRY AUGUST It was the driest August since 1976 at Rosslare and Birr, while Kilkenny's total of 1.6mm was its lowest for any month since records began there in 1957. Valentia Observatory's total of 203 hours of sunshine was its highest for August since 1968.
Claremorris's 29.5°C on the 8th was its highest August temperature since records began in 1950, and Ireland's hottest last month.
