Earliest Beef Data Genomics Programme payments will issue this month
The Department of Agriculture has answered the most frequently asked questions on the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) at the recent nationwide series of information presentations by the Department and ICBF.
Here are the questions and answers on scheme terms and conditions.
Next week, we continue with questions and answers on genotyping and star ratings.
No, but you must have enough animals each year to ensure you genotype the equivalent to 60% of your reference animals without repetition.
If the number of cows that calved in your herd in 2014 was not reflective of your normal calving pattern, as a result of disease, infertile bull etc. and/or force majeure, you can apply to have your reference year changed to 2015.
Yes, but payment will be made on the reduced hectares and you must maintain at least 80% of your Maximum Payable Area each year (MPA is calculated by dividing your reference animals in 2014 by 1.5) or you will be excluded from the programme.
However, most applicants will have far more hectares than they need to attract the full payment, and will have significant flexibility to drop hectares without affecting payments at all.
Yes, but in certain circumstances, applicants can withdraw without recoupment (in cases where the applicant sells or gifts land that brings him/her under the 80% rule, or in cases of force majeure, as outlined in the terms and conditions of the programme).
If the reason for withdrawal is other than specified in the previous answer, payments already made under the Programme may be recouped.
Payment will be made on a per hectare basis subject to the maximum payable area (MPA). Payment of €142.50 will be made on the first 6.66 hectares, with a payment of €120 on the remaining hectares.
Yes, but payment will not issue until the Department can confirm the number of calved cows in 2015. This will be in February 2016, when all registrations have been recorded.
Payments will commence in March 2016.
You must keep the calf for five months.
However, if the survey forms are not received by the time the calf is five months old, record the data in a notepad and proceed with the sale, and upon receipt of the survey forms, please complete them and return them to the ICBF.
There is no need to apply, as he can just continue to adhere to the requirements that you signed up to.
However, the transferee will have to complete a form of undertaking that he/she will continue with the obligations under the scheme.
Payments will commence in December 2015 to herds where all samples have been sent to the laboratory and all surveys completed and returned.
A herd is required to have 60% (of reference animals) to genotype every year.
Where a herd does not have enough females to genotype each year, males will be selected.
In 2018 (20%) and 2020 (50%), the herd must have the required number of females (over 16 months, genotyped, and 4-5 stars).
The requirement of the scheme is to genotype 60% of your reference number.
Herds must sample and return 60% each year.
If animals are dead, or sold when tagging, the herd-owner should contact ICBF at 1850 625 626 to order a sample kit for a replacement animal.
