724 drop out of BDGP
In other BDGP news, the cost of the genotyping tag has been reduced more than 26% compared to the 2014 beef genomics scheme, to €22 (a charge for genotyping is deducted from the scheme payment due to farmers).
The BDGP is intended to improve the national suckler herd and accelerate improvement in the environmental sustainability of the beef herd.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has announced three information meetings for BDGP participants hosted by his department. They take place on October 12 in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry; October 14 in the Silver Springs Hotel, Cork; and October 15 in the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross, Co Wexford.
Presentations will commence at 8pm, preceded by sessions for farmers to discuss issues they might not want to bring up in the main meeting.
Presentations from ICBF and Teagasc will be included. focussing on how participants can best complete the actions under the scheme, while also maximising their potential benefits from the scheme.
In addition to the presentations and Q&A sessions at the meetings, the Department and ICBF will also have its staff available on the day so that participants can engage individually on issues of interest on the scheme. Participants are encouraged to bring along their individual ICBF report.
Further meetings will be arranged in Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Limerick, Cavan, and Donegal.
* Suckler beef farmers will receive 2014 Beef Data Programme balancing payments in late October. They received an 80% advance payment in June.
