Funding for precision grass-measuring equipment has recently been added to the list of items available for grant aid through Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS)under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme, the Animal Welfare Nutrient and Storage Scheme and the Organic Scheme.

Macra na Feirme national president James Healy welcomed the addition of grass-measuring equipment to the statutory instruments of TAMS, saying: ‘‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Department of Agriculture.’’

Macra na Feirme strongly lobbied for funding for grass-measuring equipment as a means of incentivising young farmers to improve accuracy in measuring grass. As part of the 2017 pre-budget submission, Macra na Feirme campaigned for funding to be made available to all young farmers to purchase grass-measuring equipment.

The inclusion of funding for grass-measuring equipment comes at a time when many Irish farms are not reaching their grass growth potential.

Recent Teagasc publications suggest that only 50% of Irish farms are reaching their grass growth potential. Encouraging better grass growth and utilisation will help to reduce feed bills by increasing the proportion of grass in an animal’s diet and allow young farmers better resistance to the volatility of grain and livestock prices.

Healy said: ‘‘Grass is the cheapest feedstuff for livestock farmers and it is crucial that young farmers take advantage of this funding to improve their farm’s grass growth potential. Measuring grass provides invaluable performance information, improves decision-making and is something I would advocate all young farmers to do on their farms.’’

Equipment that is eligible for funding includes both a grass plate meter, or similar grass pole measuring instrument, and the accompanying system hardware. The reference cost per unit is set at €950, meaning young farmers who qualify for the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme can receive a grant up to €570. Additionally, applicants must have a software compatible smart device (phone or tablet) when purchasing equipment.

For details on Macra na Feirme Young Farmer Skillnet, please email Brigid Quigley (bquigley @macra.ie), Derrie Dillon (ddillon@macra.ie), or visit the Macra na Feirme website www.macra.ie .