West Coast calf producers urged to join beef efficiency scheme
CALF producers are being urged to take advantage of a new scheme which can be worth up to £32 per animal.
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 (BES), whether they plan to begin in 2016 or 2017.
She said: ‘I would urge crofters or farmers who have not already collected information about BES to do so as quickly as possible.
‘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 this coming 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 mother’s 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 will need to be recorded. For calves sold, this will be easily obtained from sale slips. However, other arrangements will be required for retained calves.
‘This could include using weigh scales or weigh bands. Remember, 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 that all scheme members have their tags by the start of November.
BES guidance suggests that anyone planning to sell their calves before November should DNA tag all their calves to be 100 per cent safe.