The fourth Sheep Welfare Scheme is set to commence on 1 February 2020. According to the Department of Agriculture, existing participants in the scheme will be automatically enrolled in year four and will not need to take any action should they wish to remain in the scheme.

Applications for participation in the scheme are now also being accepted from new entrants to sheep farming.

New entrants

A new entrant to sheep farming means any applicant who has applied for a new herd number after 1 January 2020. It also includes applicants with an existing herd number who have not held or traded in sheep for a two year period up to 31 October preceding the scheme year.

The Department is asking that all eligible new entrants return their forms by 1 February.

Information packs containing terms and conditions of the scheme for year four, along with action record books for 2020, will shortly be issued by the Department to existing participants in the scheme.