Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, is encouraging farmers to consider the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme as it reopens for new applicants this week.

The scheme opens on Tuesday 21 April and will remain open until 15 May via Agfood.ie.

Now in its third year, the scheme is focused on helping farmers get better value from dairy beef calves by using higher quality genetics, while also improving animal welfare.

Welcoming the reopening, Minister Canney said: “This is a scheme that’s working for farmers. We’ve seen strong uptake already and real money going back into farmyards.”

“If you’re already in it from 2024 or 2025, you don’t need to do anything – you’re automatically rolled over.”

Farmers taking part are required to use AI straws or stock bulls with a minimum three-star rating on the ICBF Dairy Beef Index, with payments of €20 per calf on up to 50 calves.

Minister Canney added: “For anyone not in it yet, it’s well worth considering. It’s a straightforward enough measure and there’s a clear return there for farmers who take part.”

Earlier this year, €5.98 million was paid out to over 9,000 farmers under the scheme, reflecting the level of interest and engagement to date.

The Minister also pointed to the reopening of the National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme for 2026, which has a separate €4 million fund.

“That’s another support there for farmers, but just to note, you do need to apply again for that one, even if you were in it last year.”

Applications for both schemes are open via Agfood.ie until 15 May.