Calf producers urged to join new beef efficiency scheme

CALF producers are being urged to take advantage of a scheme which can be worth up to £32 per calf.

Portree-based SAC consultant Janette Sutherland has reminded producers they have until Tuesday May 31 this year to sign up for the Scottish Government’s Beef Efficiency Scheme, whether they plan to begin in 2016 or 2017. She said: ‘It is worth approximately £32 a calf for three of the five years of the programme so even if they feel it is too late to get organised this year, but are thinking of taking part next season, they must still register by May 31.’

The Beef Efficiency Scheme is open to all calf producers. There are four tasks required of those taking part. Keeping a note of the calf’s weight, how easily it was born and the mothers’ temperament, taking part in some simple advisory activities and taking samples from the ears of 10 per cent of their calf crop for genetic testing.

Janette added: ‘The weight of calves needs to be recorded. For calves sold this will be easily obtained from sale slips however other arrangements will be required for retained calves. This effort will attract a payment of approximately £32 per calf for three out of five years.’

The sampling for genetic testing will be done while fitting special ear tags, and the Scottish Government will ensure all members have their tags by the start of November.