Farmers are reminded of the fast-approaching deadline for the return of the sheep census, with all responses to be received before 11.59pm on Monday 15 February.

ICSA sheep chair Sean McNamara has encouraged all farmers to get on to this task as soon as possible to guard against any potential last-minute glitches.

Mr McNamara reminded farmers that completing this census is a requirement under the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

Loss of payments

“Any sheep farmer who fails to return their census on time risks losing their payments under the scheme.

“This is something that we need to avoid at all costs, particularly given the fact that sheep farmers have yet to be included in any Brexit- or COVID-19-related compensation packages.

“No sheep farmer can afford to lose out on this important payment.”

Complete your census now by logging on to the www.agfood.ie portal.