Genomics applications in February

Applications will open in February for the €23m Beef Genomics Scheme announced by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney on Tuesday.

Suckler farmers taking part in the scheme will pay €30 for a DNA kit, and they will be required to take samples from 15% of the herd once a year.

The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation will indicate what samples are needed (from stock bulls, and a selection of suckler cows), and which farmers will be required to give samples.