A flock of 200 ewes earns €2,400 a year (our sum: 200 × €12). Keep your action records: payment is cut if an action isn't completed.
Quick facts
- Rate
- €12 per breeding ewe
- Actions
- Two, one from each category
- Needs
- BISS and sheep census each year
- Scheme year
- 1 January to 31 December
- Missed actions
- Payment reduced
What it pays
"You are paid €12 per breeding ewe and the scheme year will run from 01 January to 31 December annually." "Reductions in payment will apply where not all actions are completed."
The welfare actions
"You must complete two welfare measures to qualify for payment." The options cover "lameness control mineral supplementation of ewes post mating meal feeding lambs post weaning parasite control (faecal egg count) management of pregnant ewes (scanning) flystrike control mineral supplementation of lambs pre-weaning Genotyped Ram Action", with separate lowland and hill lists.
Staying eligible
You must "Submit a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application for each year of scheme participation. Submit a sheep census return for each year during the lifetime of the scheme with Breeding Ewes declared on it." Keep the required number of ewes and your action record book.
Year 4 opened to new entrants in spring 2026, through agfood.ie or a FAS adviser.
Common questions
How much is the Sheep Improvement Scheme payment?
€12 per breeding ewe a year.
How many actions do I need for the Sheep Improvement Scheme?
Two welfare measures, one from each category.
Do I need a sheep census return?
Yes, every year of the scheme, with breeding ewes declared.
- €2,400 — 200 ewes × €12 = €2,400