The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that the Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme will open on September 1.

The scheme will provide financial support to livestock farmers to genotype their current breeding animals including future replacements.

From January 2027, all calves born and registered on the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS) during the 2027 calendar year can be genotyped.

Farmers will receive a payment of £13 per eligible genotype submitted through the scheme.

DAERA said the available budget for the scheme is £16.6 million, which is based on all eligible animals being genotyped.

Genotyping

Genotyping analyses an animal’s DNA via an ear tissue sample, collected using an ear tag in a similar way to the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) Eradication Programme.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has urged all dairy and suckler beef farmers across Northern Ireland to opt into the Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme.

"I would encourage all eligible farm businesses to avail of this opportunity to receive financial support to genotype their animals," he said.

The scheme is a key part of the £60 million Bovine Genetics Project (BGP), which is part of the DAERA Sustainable Agriculture Programme.

The scheme is being delivered by the department in partnership with Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG).

Applications

Eligible farm businesses must opt in to the genotyping scheme to receive payment and can do so via the BGP user portal on the SRG website.

Herd owners can also access details of animal eligibility for the scheme on the user portal.

Full guidance, including key dates and eligibility criteria is available through College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) training from September 1.

This training will be available through online or in-person delivery.