The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
New calving interval set out for SSBSS
The Scottish Government has released further details on what farmers and crofters must do to receive future farm support payments.
Those details include the establishment of a new calving interval of 410 days.
However, NFU Scotland called for the frontloading of payments to support smaller producers and the need to ensure the future Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) remains accessible and relevant to all beef producers.
The latest update to the agricultural reform route map is intended to help in preparation for the gradual transition to the new farm support framework, which will begin in 2027.
The new standards for support will help farmers and crofters meet more food needs sustainably while working to protect nature.
As part of the move to the new framework, the Scottish Government says essential changes from 2025 will include the establishment of the new calving interval of 410 days.
Animals will be measured individually and added to the SSBSS. This is to help cut emissions and make beef production more efficient.
Farmers and crofters will have to complete at least two activities from a list of options. These include carbon audits, biodiversity audits, soil analysis, animal health and welfare plans, or integrated pest management plans.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “As we have said for some time, support for farming in Scotland is changing.
“From 2025, farmers and crofters will have to deliver new things in return for basic payments.
“These changes will allow us to continue to produce high-quality food in a way that helps us tackle climate change and enhance nature.”
NFU Scotland’s livestock committee chairman, Hugh Fraser, said: “The Scottish Government’s announcement that a 410-day calving interval will feature as additional conditionality on applications to the SSBSS has been widely discussed and debated.
“It is acknowledged this is a figure most Scottish beef herds are likely to achieve while for some it will be challenging.
“We would encourage members to look at their own calving interval on Myherdstats and remind them that today’s announcement reiterates the scheme will be delivered on the individual cow basis rather than herd average.
“We note it will be summer before further clarity on new scheme rules will be published.
“However, the Scottish Government has indicated there is the potential for the calving interval figure to reduce in future.
“Given that, we would want the final scheme detail to include a comprehensive clause to assist herds where circumstances outwith their control impact on their ability to hit the calving interval target.
“With payments under the current SSBSS commencing this week, we know the number of businesses claiming and calves claimed has fallen.
“The figures indicate the smaller suckler herds on the islands are leaving the sector fastest.
“That underlines NFU Scotland’s calls for frontloading payments to support smaller producers and the need to ensure the future SSBSS remains accessible and relevant to all beef producers.”