Farmers participating in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) should now have received correspondence by post and via their agfood.ie account informing them about the training and furnishing them with a pin code that will be needed to access it.

The online training course is now live and must be completed by 15 November 2024.

There will also be a number of in-person training events held later in the year, but for the majority of applicants, the most straightforward option will be the online training option. Below are a number of tips to take you smoothly through the training.

Where is the SCEP training located?

It’s accessible at www.sceptraining.ie – the online training platform gives much more flexibility to farmers because they can complete the training at a date, time and location of their choosing.

I’ve logged into www.sceptraining.ie – what do I need to do next?

When you log in the first time, you will be asked to activate your account - use you herd number and the pin number supplied in your SCEP training letter and at that stage you will be asked to create a password (six to 12 characters in length), which you should record and retain in a safe place.

You will use your herd number and the password you have created to log into the training from then on. The pin is only used to gain access to the training to activate your account.

There is a guidance document available on the SCEP page on the Department's website covering frequently asked questions and with screenshots of how to access the training, activate your account, progress through the training modules, etc.

How do I activate my account?

  • Select 'Activate account'.
  • Enter your 'Herd number' as well as your 'PIN number'. This will be in the letter you received in the post and in your Agfood account. Select 'Continue'.
  • Enter a custom password for your account - this must be six to 12 characters and numbers. It cannot contain spaces, special characters or emojis.
  • Choose a security question and then provide an answer. Ensure that you do this accurately, as if you lose your login details, we will need this to assist you.
  • Enter an email address, unique to you that you have access to.
  • Select 'Continue' to complete your account activation.
  • You can now continue to log in to the SCEP learning portal using your herd number and the password you have just created.

    • When can I start to complete the training?

    You can access the training straight away - one of the many benefits of the online training is that you can complete it at a time and date that suits you, once you have it completed in full by 15 November 2024. Don’t forget to activate your account as the first step!

    You can also leave a module partially completed and pick up where you left off when you next log in, so you can complete at a pace that suits you.

    What areas are covered in the SCEP training?

    The course is focused on the SCEP actions that farmers must undertake as part of the SCEP programme, so breeding strategies, genotyping, weighing and calving surveys. There is also a module on farm safety and livestock handling.

    There are seven modules in total, which must be completed to be compliant with the training requirement.

    The course is interactive and intuitive and is laid out in a user-friendly format. The Department advises that it is easy to navigate through and it will be very clear to you what modules you have completed, what modules are partially completed and what modules you have yet to start.

    It also includes some interesting demonstration videos on the programme’s actions, which will be of interest and relevance to SCEP participants, along with the module on farm safety, which also has useful demonstration videos to help reduce the risk of accidents on the farm.

  • Module 1: introduction.
  • Module 2: programme eligibility.
  • Module 3: breeding strategies.
  • Module 4: genotyping.
  • Module 5: weight recording.

    • Module 6: calving details and surveys.

  • Module 7: farm and livestock safety.

    • How long will it take to complete each module?

    The modules will take, on average, 30 minutes to complete, with some being slightly longer or shorter, but because you can partially complete a module and pick up where you left off when you next log in, this gives a lot of flexibility on how much you wish to complete on a given day.

    Do I have to complete all seven modules at the one time?

    While you must complete all seven modules before 15 November 2024, you do not have to do them at one time.

    Module one must be completed first, followed by module two, but after those are completed, the rest of the modules can be completed in any order.

    You can also leave a module without finishing it and pick up where you left off when you log in next. You can finish the training all on one day or spread it out to complete when suits you.

    Once you log in, the front screen displays all the modules to be completed and will show your status for each module - not started, in progress or completed.

    When you have all seven modules completed, you will see them all marked as completed and you have the choice to download a certificate of completion for your own records.

    The important thing to remember is that if all of the training is not completed by 15 November 2024, a participant will be removed from the programme and all monies paid to date will be recouped.

    What devices can I complete the training on and what browser should I use?

    The training can be completed on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or your phone. The best browsers to use for optimal experience are Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. If you are having access issues on one browser, it is recommended that you try another.

    Safari browser on iPhone, iPads and other Apple devices can be used to access the training, but it may be necessary to deactivate a setting on your settings to access full functionality of the training. The following steps should be taken to turn off 'prevent cross-site tracking' temporarily while accessing the training on Safari:

    Safari on macOS

  • Open the Safari menu.
  • Select settings.
  • Select the privacy tab.
  • Make sure 'prevent cross-site tracking' is not ticked.
  • Close the settings window.

    • Safari on iOS

  • Open phone settings.
  • Select the Safari app.
  • Scroll down to 'privacy & security'.
  • Make sure 'prevent cross-site tracking' is off.
  • Return to the Safari browser app.

    • If I’m having difficulty accessing the course, is there a helpline available?

    Support is available for any farmer who needs help in accessing the online training by contacting support@sceptraining.ie or 074-970 7756.

    For general queries on the SCEP training or the SCEP programme, contact the Department’s helpdesk by phone at 057-867 4422 or by email at scep@agriculture.gov.ie.

    Other timely reminders

    What else do I need to do to be compliant with the requirements in SCEP this year?

    There are four eligibility requirements that farmers in SCEP must comply with to remain in the programme:

  • Submit a valid BISS application each year, on which all land parcels are declared.
  • Calve down each year, at a minimum, 50% of their yearly reference number.
  • Have continued participation in SBLAS for the duration of the programme.
  • Complete the SCEP online training course by 15 November 2024.

    • To maximise your payment under the programme each year, you should fully comply with the five actions under the programme.

  • At least 80% of calves should be sired by a four- or five-star eligible bull or eligible AI in year two.
  • For the female replacement strategy, the next date for compliance is 31 October 2025, at which stage 65% are eligible females that are genotyped four or five stars.

  • Genotype at least 70% of their yearly reference number, without repetition, and submit to the labs by 30 November 2024.
  • Weigh at least 80% of calves born on the holding, and their dams, (up to a maximum of their yearly reference number) and submit the weights to the ICBF by 1 November 2024.
  • Complete surveys for all calves born on the holding, and their dams, and submit these as early as possible and no later than 15 February 2025.