All eligible beef and suckler farmers are being encouraged to apply for the €100m Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) before the closing date of Sunday 8 September 2019. The scheme is worth €100 per finished animal and €40 per suckler cow.

IFA president Joe Healy has said farmers who sold finished cattle in marts are also eligible for payment.

“The scheme specifies that where cattle have been presented for slaughter by an agent or dealer within 30 days of purchase, including those purchased in a mart, payment may issue to the immediate previous herdowner.”

Sector crisis

IFA national livestock chair Angus Woods said: “All of the money must be drawn down and paid out to farmers as soon as possible as they are in real financial need because of the crisis in the sector.

“With cattle prices still on the floor, it is essential Minister Creed secures another aid package for beef farmers to offset the ongoing severe Brexit losses on cattle sold since May 12.”

Making an application

Based on data presented by the Department of Agriculture, over 37,000 beef finishers and 55,000 suckler farmers are eligible.

The scheme covers cattle sold between 24 September 2018 to 12 May 2019 and suckler cows with progeny born in 2018.

Farmers who may not have access to a computer are encouraged to seek assistance from the Department of Agriculture, Teagasc, a private planner or the IFA.

To make an application to the scheme, click here.

Read more

Issue resolved after some farmers could not apply to BEAM

Over 2,500 BEAM applications

‘No money to be left behind’ in BEAM Scheme