Advice from Teagasc: Beef Data And Genomics Programme training
One of the compulsory measures for those participating in the BDGP is to attend a four-hour training course before October 31 next. Each participant will be invited by letter to attend a training course in a designated centre in their county, and will have four days to respond by phone.
You cannot just walk in to a course; they are all by invitation, to be pre-booked. Where possible, you should try to attend the first BDGP course that you are offered; there is no guarantee that any subsequent courses offered will be as close to you, they may involve extra travelling.
BDGP participants receive €166 in addition to their annual scheme payments, for successful completion of the course.
If the training is not completed within six months of the October 31 deadline, the participant is removed from the BDGP.
If you complete the training after the deadline, but within six months of the deadline, the penalty will amount to 20% of your annual BDGP payment for both years one and two.
So, typically, if your annual payment is €2,000, then you stand to lose €800.
If a BDGP participant cannot attend, it will be possible to nominate somebody to attend on their behalf.
* outline how to comply with the requirements of the BDGP.
* Eurostar ratings and how you can use them for your herd.
* outline benefits genomics will bring to beef breeding.
* help to assess herd ratings, breeding and replacement sourcing options.
