SBP countdown under way

The count down of the final 30 days for the birth of male animals to qualify for Special Beef Premia Payments commences tomorrow, bringing to an end direct EU payments based on livestock stocking.

Male animals born since the last day of April 2003 have already been eliminated from the system for the 21-month SBP of €150/head and extensification payment of up to €80/head.

Male animals born after the last day of May 2004 will not qualify for the 9 month SBP, worth e150 plus extensification of up to €80/head and will also lose out on the bull premia under which they could qualify for €210/head plus extensification of up to €80/head as an alternative to the 9-21 months SBP payments.