Sheep Welfare Scheme closing date is January 31
Farmers with breeding ewes can apply for payment based on two actions they choose to undertake from a menu.
What do I have to do to participate in the scheme, what work is involved?
Firstly, you must submit a completed Sheep Census for 2016 and each year of the scheme. Then you must return the application form by the January 31 closing date, notifying the Department of your two chosen actions.
Thereafter, you must undertake and complete the chosen actions, and comply with the relevant terms and conditions.
Throughout the scheme, you must maintain a scheme record book to record these actions, and you must retain all relevant receipts and supporting documents.
To qualify for payment, you must retain the reference number of ewes in a given scheme year on which you must carry out the chosen actions. Failure to do so will result in penalty.
Certain exemptions are in place, for example, where a lower number of sheep is found on inspection, due to a veterinary recommendation for a cull on welfare grounds.
What are the flock types?
The scheme actions are applicable to flocks of breeding ewes and are separated into lowland and hill flock actions.
The decision as to which category an applicant belongs to will be based on the type of stock (lowland or hill) held, or where there is a mix, the ratio of stock type held, as reported in the annual sheep census 2015.
Applicants with greater than 50% lowland ewes must chose from the options for lowland flocks. Applicants with greater than 50% hill type ewes must chose from the options for hill flocks.
I have mixed stock. What flock type do I apply for?
You must choose whichever number is the greater.
I have been identified in the incorrect flock type, what should I do?
There are two categories, lowland flocks and hill flocks, the form which issued was based on the sheep census records held by the Department for 2015. If this is incorrect, please return the application form promptly to the Department with the corrected data, and a new form will issue.
What actions are involved?
The actions chosen must be carried out on all the breeding ewes, irrespective of the lowland or hill categorisation.
The scheme requires you to undertake and complete two measurable and verifiable sheep welfare actions.
These actions are based on flock Type (Lowland or Hill).
Applicants must choose one action from Category A and one action from Category B as appropriate to their flock type by ticking the appropriate boxes beside each option on the application form.
Action categories and choices are as follows.
Lowland Category A actions are lameness control and mineral supplementation of ewes post mating.
Lowland Category B actions are parasite control (faecal egg count); scanning; and flystrike control.
Hill flock Category A actions are mineral supplementation ewes post mating and meal feeding of lambs post weaning.
Hill flock Category B actions are parasite control (faecal egg count); scanning; and mineral supplementation of lambs pre-weaning.
Hill flocks may not choose both mineral supplementation of lambs and and meal feeding of lambs post weaning
Details in relation to the actions are set out in the terms and conditions, and the Department of Agriculture is organising information sessions around the country to address any queries.
Can I change actions?
The two actions chosen at this point must be adhered to by the applicant for the full duration of the scheme, which is currently proposed at four years, renewable annually.
It is therefore not possible to change actions, once chosen.
How much is the payment? How long will I receive payment?
Payment is €10 per eligible ewe, and the scheme will run for four years. Payments are based on the completion of both chosen actions. Failure to complete one or both actions will result in reduced payments and penalties. After each year, the farmer will be asked whether he wishes to continue for another year in the scheme, or to withdraw (without clawback if all actions completed etc).
What is my number of eligible ewes?
It is the average number of breeding ewes you held in 2014 and 2015, as declared on your sheep census. This is known as the reference number.
This figure should be available to you from your own records in your sheep log book. The Department will confirm your reference number after all applications have been received. In certain circumstances, this reference number can differ from the 2014/15 average (where a higher number is required under a GLAS commonage management plan, or the 2016 census shows a lower number than the reference year).
I did not submit a sheep census in 2015, what can I do?
You must write to the Sheep Welfare Scheme section, and provide details as to why the census was not submitted, and any documentation you may have that will support your case. Every case will be looked at on its own merit, and all circumstances will be taken into account. However, it must be noted that a cross-compliance penalty may apply.
Is the Scheme subject to inspection?
As with all EU-funded schemes, an inspection process will be in place, including on-site verification of animal numbers, and inspection of record book and documents to confirm actions are carried out. A percentage of farmers will also be requested to return their record books and documents to the Department for examination to confirm compliance.
Co-operation with such requests is a condition of participation in the scheme.
