Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has highlighted the significant benefit to Galway farmers as payments under the National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme 2025 commence.

A total of €262,175 is now being paid to 592 farmers in Galway, making it one of the strongest-participation counties in the country.

Nationally, over €4.09 million is issuing to 8,153 farmers, supporting the weighing of more than 204,000 calves.

Minister Canney said the early release of the Galway figures underscores the strong engagement by farmers across the county: “Almost 600 Galway farmers are now receiving over €262,000 under this scheme. That is a substantial and timely support for the dairy-beef sector across the county. Farmers in Galway continue to engage fully with practical, data-driven measures that improve herd performance and support better economic and environmental outcomes.”

The scheme required eligible calves to be weighed by 1 November for a payment of €20 per calf. Nationwide, more than 305,000 calves were weighed across 8,381 herds, with over a quarter of herds weighing more than 50 calves – demonstrating strong demand.

Minister Canney also welcomed the confirmation of an additional €4 million allocation for 2026.

“Dairy-beef integration remains hugely important in Galway and the wider West. I welcome the continued commitment to fund this scheme, which delivers real, on-farm value and supports income stability.”