Sheep Census forms due to be returned next week

THE Census 2017 deadline date for sheep owners is rapidly approaching for the return of completed Census forms for their flocks on December 31, 2017.

Census forms were mailed to 45,000 sheep and goat owners, who were registered with the Department of Agriculture in mid-December, for completion on December 31.

Flock owners have the option to return the completed 2017 Census forms either by post via the addressed envelope provided with the Census form or online via agfood.ie.

Farmers have until January 31 to ensure that the completed forms are sent by post to Seefin Data Management, PO Box 17, An Post, Cahirdown, Listowel DSU, Co Kerry.

The Department of Agriculture has pointed out that the onus remains with the flock/ herd keeper to make sure that completed Census forms being returned by post are received on time.

The only acceptable proof of postage is a registered post receipt in the case of dispute regarding postal returns. A postal certificate or express post receipt is not acceptable as proof of postage, according to the Department.

Flock owners who are responding by submitting a Census form online may avail of an extended closing date until midnight on February 14.

In order to submit a Census return online, the flock keepers must be registered with www.agfood.ie and farmers not already registered can do so by logging on to the website and clicking the option to register, the Department advises.

Users registering for access to agfood.ie for the first time should allow sufficient time for receipt of their log-in details through the post. These log-in details, the Department says, are required for access to the online Census facility and allow access to other relevant online services.

First-time users are therefore advised to register well before the extended closing date available to online respondents, to ensure a timely return of the Census information.

The completed Census data can be reviewed to ensure accuracy and may be amended in the event of error, according to the Department. Keepers will receive confirmation when a Census submission has been completed successfully.

Users are reminded that the most recently returned online figures recorded by February 14 will be regarded as the final Census 2017 return and failure to return the Census on time may also impact on future payments from the Department.

The flock owners have been reminded that the submission of a completed Census form is central in declaring that required stocking rates are being maintained and facilitates the drawing down of payments under schemes such as the Sheep Welfare Scheme, Basic Payment Scheme, Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, AEOS and GLAS.

Census information is also used during farm/flock inspections, where the inspector has details of the Census returns submitted for the holding in the last number of years.