2025 Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS)
Minister Martin Heydon has announced details of the 2025 Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS), with €28 million in funding available to support suckler farmers.
Key Scheme Actions
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Mandatory Action
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Meal Feeding before and after weaning.
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Optional Actions (choose at application stage)
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Vaccination
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Faecal Testing or Forage/Silage Testing
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Applications & Deadlines
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Opens: Wednesday, 13 August 2025
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Closing Date: 24 September 2025 (23:59:59)
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Test Kits Deadline: Kits must be purchased by 13 October 2025
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Applications must be made online via agfood.ie
Faecal Testing Requirements
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Two tests for parasites, minimum 4 weeks apart
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Retain receipts for kits and record all actions on official record sheets
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Farmers may test for worms, fluke, coccidia, or a combination
Silage Testing
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Submit 3 separate silage samples in labelled zip-lock bags
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Results issued within ~10 working days
Faecal Testing Options
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Worm Egg Count only
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Rumen & Liver Fluke only
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Full panel (Worms, Fluke, Coccidia)
Results
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Farmers receive results via text (Faeces) / email or post (Silage)
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Keep invoices and results for BWS payment claims
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Consult your vet for interpretation and treatment advice
Contact – Oldcastle Laboratories Ltd
📍 Cogan St, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, A82 HW90
📞 (049) 854 1160
✉️ reception@oldcastlelabs.ie
