With farmers now involved in a multitude of schemes, it is important to try to stay on top of upcoming dates.

Through the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP) scheme, farmers are eligible for a €40 payment per eligible calf born between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019.

Farmers are required to weigh the cows and the calves and then submit these weights to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

The scheme requires that calves are weighed before they are weaned, with the cows weighed on the same day.

These weights must be submitted before 1 November, but with many farmers planning to wean in the next few weeks, it is advisable to carry out weighing as soon as possible.

Recording weights

When it comes to actually recording the weights, you need to log into the online services section of the ICBF website.

For any farmer who has not used this before, you must use your herd number as your username plus a password.

You will have been sent out this password in the past, but if you have forgot it or lost it, then you have a few options.

The first option is to text PASS to 089-457 7663 to receive a password. Otherwise, you can email query@icbf.com or call 023-882 0452.

Scales

The scales used for weighing cattle must be registered. If you have your own scales, you need to log into the ICBF website and register the scales.

You will find the required information on the back on the console for the weighing scales.

Once you have registered the scales, you will get a unique BEEP scales registration number. Without this number, you will not be able to submit any cow or calf weight data and therefore will be ineligible for payment.

There are two ways of registering the weights. One is by again logging on to ICBF and going through the ‘Services’ tab and going to the section for BEEP.

The other option is to record the data by paper. To do this, you must use the weight-recording sheet provided by the ICBF.

This can be printed off from the ICBF’s user account or ordered directly from the ICBF. This sheet must be filled in and posted to the ICBF.

All records must be submitted within seven days of the completion of the weight recording.

If you are borrowing a scales from another farmer, then you are required to retain documentary evidence that you borrowed the scales.

This document must contain the ICBF registration number of the scales, the name and the signature of the person who owns the scales and the name of the person borrowing the scales. The date the scales were received and returned must also be recorded.