Payment
€20 per eligible calf
Both are run by the Department of Agriculture. The Welfare Scheme runs from 2024 to 2027 under the CAP Strategic Plan. The Weighing Scheme 2026 closed to new applications on 15 May 2026, so this year's deadline is for farmers already in it.
Quick facts
- Payment
- €20 per eligible calf
- Maximum
- 50 calves per holding
- Weighing deadline
- 5.30pm, 1 November 2026
- Weighing payment
- December 2026
- Welfare Scheme
- Runs 2024 to 2027
Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme
"Participants are required to use AI straws or stock bulls with a minimum rating of three stars on the ICBF Dairy Beef Index (DBI) and on the beef sub-index of the DBI." "Farmers satisfying the scheme requirements will receive a payment of €20 per eligible calf up to a maximum of 50 calves per holding."
"Applicants to the scheme in 2024 or 2025 do not need to reapply to the scheme as their application has automatically rolled over to 2026."
National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme 2026
"Payment is €20 per eligible calf." "Applicants must weigh a minimum of 5 eligible calves and up to a maximum of 50 calves and submit the weights to the ICBF". Calves must be at least 12 weeks old and in your herd for at least 10 days before weighing.
"The weights must be submitted to the ICBF by 17.30hrs on 01 November 2026 to make an applicant eligible for payment." "Payments will be made in December 2026."
Contact
The Beef Schemes Section is on 057 86 74422, or email DairyBeef@agriculture.gov.ie. Applications are made on MyAgFood.
Common questions
How much does the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme pay?
€20 per eligible calf, up to 50 calves per holding.
When is the dairy beef weighing deadline?
Weights must reach ICBF by 5.30pm on 1 November 2026, and payment is in December 2026.
Do I need to reapply for the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme?
No, if you applied in 2024 or 2025: your application rolls over to 2026.