Budget for BGS based on take-up by farmers of similar schemes

The estimate of 550,000 calves benefiting from the new Beef Genomics Scheme (BGS) is based on experience of the average take-up by farmers of similar schemes, such as the suckler-cow welfare scheme.

This is how the Department of Agriculture calculated the €23m budget for the new scheme.

Par ticipation of 32,000 farms is expected (the current Beef Data Programme has 32,000 participants), and the budget will cover BGS payments of €40 per calf for 550,000 calves, male and female.