Should a farmer fail to meet the 50% genotyped 4/5 star (eligible) female requirement target on the 31 October deadline, the total penalty/clawback would be the equivalent to 140% of a herd’s gross annual payment.

Twenty per cent of each year’s payment is for the female replacement requirement. It is a six-year programme so 20% x 6 = 120%.

There is then a further 20% penalty applied for non-compliance totalling 140%. It would mean a herd receives no payment in 2020 and have the equivalent of 40% of an annual payment clawed back through another Department of Agriculture payment.

Example:

A herd with a BDGP reference number of 20 females has a gross annual payment of €1,750. Approx €250 was deducted each year for genotyping leaving the farmer with €1,500. Failing to meet the 31 October target would see a herd receive no payment as well as €700 (40% of €1,750) deducted from another DAFM payment. This would leave the total cost of not meeting the target at €2,200.

How to avoid a penalty

While 91% of farms are currently on target for the 31 October deadline, ICBF are urging farmers that are falling short of the target to be proactive and assess their individual situation.

Some farmers may have eligible 4 and 5 star females already in the herd due to receive genomic evaluations in October or November. Where this is not the case and females need to be purchased, ensure that they are eligible before purchasing. Mart boards state clearly whether an animal is eligible or not. If purchasing privately, check the animal’s tag number on the ICBF Animal Search facility. Check the age, index and genomic evaluation status.

If farmers are in doubt, they should get in contact with ICBF, particularly if they need to check the eligibility status of an animal before purchasing. ICBF can be contacted on 023-882 0452 or via email at query@icbf.com.

For a full page of your BDGP queries answered by ICBF’s Chris Daly pick up a copy of this week’s Irish Farmers Journal.