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What is the National Beef Welfare Scheme 2025
The National Beef Welfare Scheme comprises of three actions – one mandatory and two optional – farmers whose application is successful and met all three actions can claim the maximum payment rate of €75 per eligible calf. This scheme will also pay up to a maximum of 45 eligible calves per participant, bringing the total payment available to €3,375, where all three actions are completed.
Application Timeline
- The 2025 NBWS scheme is now closed
Total National Beef Welfare Scheme Budget
- €28 million
- This is a 40% increase from the 2024 scheme budget.
The 2025 NBWS is now closed. Check back in 2026 to see about any follow-on schemes
Participation and Payment Details
- Farmers can claim up to €75 per eligible calf by completing three actions (1 mandatory + 2 optional).
- Maximum number of calves per participant: 45
(up from 40 in 2024) - Maximum potential payment per participant:€3,375
(up from €2,000 in 2024 — a 69% increase)
Eligible Calves
- Calves born to eligible suckler cows between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025.
National Beef Welfare Scheme Actions
| Action | Type | Payment per Calf | Max Calves Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal Feeding | Mandatory | €35 | 45 |
| Vaccination of Weanlings | Optional | €15 | 45 |
| Faecal Egg or Silage Testing | Optional | €25 | 45 |
| Total (All Three Actions) | – | €75 | 45 |
Testing Details
- 3 silage samples or 2 faecal samples required
- Worth €25 per calf up to 45 calves (max €1,125)
More on Silage Testing
