Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed confirmation that the 2026 Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS) will open this week for applications.

This year’s scheme is very similar in structure to last year’s version. It contains the same broad range of straightforward measures, along with the new inclusion of an additional option to vaccinate animals against the current strain of the bluetongue virus (BTV-3). Bluetongue vaccination has been allowed in Ireland since the beginning of the year and in March it was confirmed that it would be funded as an optional action in both the 2026 beef and sheep welfare schemes. Livestock owners are encouraged to consult a private veterinary practitioner when deciding on the best vaccination strategy for their particular enterprise.

The BWS supports farmers in meal feeding suckler calves at weaning and in undertaking other voluntary actions that optimise animal performance while allowing farmers to maximise their payments within the overall scheme allocation.

All suckler farmers with eligible calves born on their holdings between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 can apply for this scheme.

“This €28 million scheme is an important support for suckler farmers and recognises the work they do in maintaining high standards of animal health and welfare. The measures are practical and give farmers flexibility to choose the actions that best suit their own herds, including the new option to vaccinate against bluetongue.

“Together with Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme and the Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme, these supports represent an investment of more than €83 million in the suckler and beef sectors this year.”

Applications must be lodged online through the MyAgFood.ie portal no later than 05:00 PM on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. There is no facility for late applications. This will allow participants who have passed all the necessary validation checks to be paid before the end of the year. Suckler farmers can simultaneously participate in both the BWS and the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP).

Participants are reminded to retain copies of receipts for the meal feeding and for the vaccination and testing actions, if they also choose those options. They should maintain relevant records and submit them, on request, to the Department to facilitate the efficient processing of scheme payments.