Applications to this year’s beef calf scheme close on 31 December
Eligible farmers and crofters are reminded to apply to the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) before the deadline of 31 December 2024.
SSBSS support totalling £40 million is available for calves provided they are at least 75 percent beef bred, born on a Scottish holding and kept there for 30 days. The scheme rate per animal will be determined by the total number of eligible animals claimed. The scheme budget of £40 million is split with £34 million for calves born on the mainland and £6 million for calves born on the islands. Last year, payment rates were £105.10 for mainland calves and £151.24 for island calves.
NFU Scotland’s Livestock Policy Manager Lisa Hislop said: “Farmers and crofters with beef cows are reminded that applications to the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS), which provides £40 million to support the production of beef calves, must be in before the 31 December deadline.
“The importance of this scheme to Scotland’s iconic red meat sector cannot be underestimated as it ensures producers around the country are encouraged to keep producing beef calves to underpin the production of high-quality Scotch Beef.
“After successful lobbying by NFU Scotland, Scottish Government has confirmed that the scheme will be a feature of future support arrangements until at least 2028.
“This is the final year of the current scheme whereby any farmer or crofter producing beef calves can claim for any calf born between 1 January 2024 and 2 December 2024, provided the calves are at least 75 per cent beef genetics and have been kept on the holding of birth for at least 30 days. Payments are expected in early 2025.
“From 2025, a 410-day calving interval condition will be introduced to the eligibility criteria. Farmers and crofters will not be required to calculate calving intervals for claims as this will be automatically calculated using birth registration details on ScotEID for the claimed calf and the cow’s previous calf. Heifers will be exempt for calving interval conditions.
“The passing of the statutory instrument by Scottish Parliament last week signifies the beginning of the reformed calf scheme and also how agricultural support will be delivered going forward. We continue to engage with officials on the future of SSBSS beyond 2025 and 2026.”
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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006