Beef-schemes deadline extended to April 17
“I have decided to extend the closing date in order to give farmers additional time to complete and return the application forms,” said Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.
There is a combined application form: farmers have the option to use the one form to apply for one or both measures. If they wish to apply for the Beef Genomics Scheme, they must also apply for the Beef Data Programme. Those only applying for the Beef Data Programme may do so using this form.
The closing date for receipt of completed forms had been fixed for last Friday, April 4.
The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation has listed the ‘frequently asked questions from farmers’ on the new Beef Genomics Scheme.
¦ What is the benefit of the genomics data for me, the farmer?
>> In the first year, the information will be used for research to provide higher reliability breeding indexes in the future. Once the research is complete, genomic evaluation will be made available for the animals that were tested. More detailed information on the benefits of genomics is available on the ICBF website.
¦ When, and where, will I see the benefits of this scheme?
>> This year is all about collecting data on animals to conduct the research necessary to provide genomic evaluations for beef cattle in 2015. For this year, the animal’s parentage will be checked if the sire has a DNA profile recorded.
¦ How much does the test cost, and do I have to send a payment with the samples?
>> The test costs €30 per animal. You do not have to send any payment with the samples. The cost of the tests will be deducted, at source, by DAFM and on your behalf.
¦ How much do I get paid?
>> The payment for the Beef Data Programme is €20 for the first 20 calves and €10 for the next 30. The payment to the farmer for the BGS is €40 per calf. (Thus the total available per calf is €60 in 2014). If the number of animals exceeds the overall budget allocated, a reduction per animal will be applied.
¦ When will I get paid?
>> The payment for the BGS will be made towards the end of 2014.
¦ Can I get an invoice for the cost of the test(s)?
>> Yes, an invoice for the testing will be available on-line and can be posted out to you, upon request.
¦ Why are cows being tagged, as opposed to calves?
>> Cows can be included in the research immediately, as they already have information for fertility and maternal traits. Calves would only be useful once they calved, in a couple of years.
¦ How many animals will I have to test?
>> You will be asked to sample at least 15% of your herd. A stock bull will be included in the 15%. Therefore, if you have 10 cows and a stock bull, you will be required to genotype one cow and one stock bull.
¦ What animals are used to calculate the number of animals to be tested?
>> The 15% will be based on the number of cows calved in 2013, plus any stock bull(s) currently on the farm.
¦ I have 20 cows and one stock bull. How many animals will I have to test?
>> You will be required to test three cows and the stock bull.
¦ I have 20 cows and no stock bulls — how many animals will I have to test?
>> You will be required to test three cows.
¦ I have 20 cows and two stock bulls — how many animals will I have to test?
>> As stock bulls provide the most valuable information, we will ask you to test the two bulls and two cows.
¦ How are animals selected for testing?
>> Cows were selected on the basis of their breed, age, records available and ancestry. A detailed document on the selection procedure can be found on the ICBF website.
¦ If the test indicates there was a mix-up with the sire or dam information, will I be penalised?
>> No, any errors identified will be corrected automatically, and there will be no penalties imposed.
¦ If the test indicates there was a mix-up with the sire or dam information, how easy is it to fix the data?
>> The data will be corrected automatically, and you will be notified of any changes that are made.
¦ What if I don’t send back a sample. Will I be penalised?
>> In order to comply fully with the scheme, a farmer must return the same number of samples requested.
¦ When do I get my tags?
>> We expect tags to be delivered to farms within six weeks of signing up to the scheme.
¦ What is the deadline for sending back samples?
>> Please return the samples in the Freepost envelope, by the date indicated in the cover letter you get with the tags.
¦ I am not in the BDP 2014. Can I still be in BGS?
>> No. Participation in the BGS scheme is dependent on being in the BDP programme in 2014, also.
¦ I am BDP 2013. Does this mean I am also in BDP 2014?
>> No. You must also sign up for the BDP scheme in 2014.
¦ Could genomics become a fixture or is this just a one-off scheme?
>> Yes. Indications from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are that continuing the beef genomics scheme may be part of the RDP from 2015 to 2020.
¦ When will genomic evaluations become available for beef animals?
>> We hope to be able to provide genomic evaluations for beef animals in 2015.
