Beef Data and Genomics Programme 2015–2020

The Beef Data and Genomics Programme 2015-2020 (BDGP I) provides financial support to farmers for using technology and genomics to improve the national herd. Farmers have to meet standards on genotyped animals.

The closing date for the scheme was May 2015 but payments continue for participants each year for the duration of the programme. Successful applicants had to be suckler farmers aged 18 or over with a valid herd number.

To continue to be eligible for payments, you have to follow the measures set out in the programme, which include:

• recording calving details
• genotying animals
• completing surveys
• adding and maintaining a proportion of high genetic merit animals
• completing a training programme
• learning how Carbon Navigator software can help manage greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental targets

Replacement requirements

The replacement strategy is an integral part of the programme. It involves males and females of superior genetic merit being introduced to the national herd over the course of the programme.

Stock bull

At least one stock bull on your farm on 30 June 2019 must be genotyped 4 or five stars on a quality index. This, or a similar 4 or 5 star bull, must be kept until 30 June 2020.

Using artificial insemination

When using artificial insemination, at least 80% used must be from 4 or 5 star bulls. This applies from 30 June 2016.

Leased bulls

If you are renting in bulls for breeding you must, from 30 June 2016, use bulls that are 4 or 5 star. You must report the use of leased bulls.

Female replacements

A percentage of your heifers or eligible suckler cows must be genotyped females that are:

• 4 or 5 stars
• at least 16 months old
• born in 2013 or later

The proportion of heifers or eligible suckler cows meeting these requirements on 31 October 2018 must be at least 20% of the reference number of animals. On 31 October 2020 it must be 50%.

Six-year programme

This is a six-year programme and you are required to complete all actions for the full six years. If you withdraw, or are disqualified from the programme for a non-compliance during the course of the six years, any payments already made will be recovered by the Department. You must comply with all the conditions of the scheme.

These are the terms and conditons of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme 2015–2020. It provides financial support to farmers for using technology and genomics to improve the national herd. Farmers have to meet standards on genotyped animals.

Payment will be made at a rate of €142.50 for each of the first 6.66 hectares of eligible forage land and €120 on the remaining eligible hectares.

The eligible hectares on which you are entitled to claim is calculated as the number of calved cows on your holding in 2014 divided by a standard stocking rate of 1.5, up to the limit of the declared forage land deemed eligible.

Eligible land is declared on your 2014 Single Payment Scheme application.

Payment applications for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme are completed as part of your Basic Payment Scheme application. To apply online, login or register at agfood.ie. You must apply by midnight on Wednesday 15 May 2020.

If your login or password are expired and need to be renewed please contact the Department’s helpdesk.