The person named registered twelve calves, including a set of twins under the 2010 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme it is not necessary to castrate calves, however, if they are to be castrated it must be done at least four weeks before, or two weeks after, weaning the animals. The applicant had notified my Department that he had castrated five of the animals on 9 October 2010 and weaned them on 2 November. He was advised by letter dated 15 November 2011 that these animals were ineligible for payment as they were castrated during the four weeks before weaning.
By letter received in my Department on 24 November 2011, the person named sought a review of the decision and advised that his veterinary practitioner undertook the castration while he was on the farm paring the hooves of other animals. However, the terms and conditions are clear in this matter and as the castration was carried out during the four weeks prior to weaning they remain ineligible for payment. A letter issued to the applicant on 5 December setting out the position and advising the person named of his right to appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office.