Leeway is sought on dates for buying in star heifers
THE IFA are this week seeking leeway in relation to this weekend’s October 31 deadline for the requirement under the BDGP (Beef Data and Genomics Programme) scheme for the 50% replacement of 4 and 5-star female animals.
IFA Livestock Chairman, Brendan Golden, said that while the majority of farmers had met their requirements, some still needed to buy in 4- and -5-star heifers before October 31 – this Saturday.
He added, that one of the main reasons for this, was the disruption caused to the normal mart trade by the introduction of the Level 5, COVID-19 restrictions last week, reducing the marts to an online service only.
“This [trade] has been severely disrupted with the move to Level 5 controls and the difficulties experienced by some marts in holding sales.
“Due to poor broadband services in areas, some farmers have been unable to participate in sales. There must be a grace period to allow for the sourcing of those animals,” he said.
Farmers must have 50% of the reference number of animals for their herd meeting the 4 or 5-star requirement of females that are at least 16 months of age by October 31, 2020, and have been born in or after 2013.
In relation to BEEP-S, Brendan Golden said the key date is November 1st. Applicants must have the weighing component and the faecal egg count, if chosen, completed by this date.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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