The person named has 14 animals for consideration under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. The Terms and Conditions of the Suckler Welfare Scheme (section 8.5.2) clearly states that for herds of more than 10 suckler cows a gradual weaning procedure must be followed. It is open to the farmers to wean at pasture or indoors but the calves must be weaned in at least 2 separate groups with each group being removed at a minimum interval of 5 days. A copy of the Terms and Conditions is issued with the application form to each farmer, and in signing the application form the applicants agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
The applicant originally declared a weaning date of 23rd September 2009 and has since amended the weaning date for some of the calves. However, having carefully considered the amendment received my Department cannot accept it as it is inconsistent with the information already provided by the applicant. Consequently, a letter has issued to the applicant advising him of my Department's decision in his case.