The person named applied for premium for 30 cows and five heifers under the 2003 suckler cow premium scheme on 31 July 2003. The late application was accepted under force majeure circumstances. While processing the claim for payment it was found that three animals declared as heifers were, in fact, cows and had calved before the closing date of 27 June 2003.
Under the terms and conditions of the scheme, a producer who has applied on 14 animals or more must continue to own, possess, hold and maintain on his holding during the six months retention period a number of suckler cows at least equal to 60% and at most equal to 85% and a number of heifers at least equal to 15% and at most equal to 40% of the total number of animals for which premium was requested.
The herd owner has been informed that in order to comply with the 15% heifer requirement the maximum number of cows that could be accepted for payment with two eligible heifers is 14. Payment of the 80% advance instalment amounting to €2869.12 issued on 29 October 2003. This represented payment for 14 cows and two heifers.