The window to amend the 2026 yearly reference number for the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) closes at 11.59pm on 12 February 2026.
The reference number is an important figure, as participants must calve at least 50% of their reference number in each year of the scheme.
The timeline for calvings for the 2026 scheme year is from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
ADVERTISEMENT
If a farmer is not on target to achieve this number of calvings, then it is critical to adjust their reference number, or purchase more in-calf heifers/cows, or risk being removed from the scheme.
Where a participant does not wish to amend their 2026 yearly reference number from their 2025 yearly reference number, then no action is required.
Their 2025 yearly reference number will automatically roll over to 2026, if no amendment is submitted.
Participants can reduce their 2026 yearly reference number by up to 20% of their 2025 yearly reference number. Alternatively, participants can increase their 2026 yearly reference number by any number back up to their programme reference number set at application stage, where the farmer or their FAS adviser had amended downward their yearly reference number in 2023, 2024 or 2025.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The window to amend the 2026 yearly reference number for the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) closes at 11.59pm on 12 February 2026.
The reference number is an important figure, as participants must calve at least 50% of their reference number in each year of the scheme.
The timeline for calvings for the 2026 scheme year is from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
If a farmer is not on target to achieve this number of calvings, then it is critical to adjust their reference number, or purchase more in-calf heifers/cows, or risk being removed from the scheme.
Where a participant does not wish to amend their 2026 yearly reference number from their 2025 yearly reference number, then no action is required.
Their 2025 yearly reference number will automatically roll over to 2026, if no amendment is submitted.
Participants can reduce their 2026 yearly reference number by up to 20% of their 2025 yearly reference number. Alternatively, participants can increase their 2026 yearly reference number by any number back up to their programme reference number set at application stage, where the farmer or their FAS adviser had amended downward their yearly reference number in 2023, 2024 or 2025.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS