Denis O’Donovan of Ballyryan, Donohill, Co Tipperary
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12 Mar 2026
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12 Mar 2026
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Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed the commencement of payments under year two of the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme, confirming that 161 Mayo farmers will receive a total of €89,131 in support over the coming days.
The announcement follows confirmation from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, that over €5.98 million is now issued nationally to 9,175 participating farmers, supporting 299,839 dairy beef calves. This represents a 17.4 percent increase in the number of calves supported compared with the first year of the scheme.
Minister Dillon said the funding provides “timely and practical support for Mayo farmers who continue to drive high standards of animal health and welfare across the county.”
He added: “This is a welcome boost for 161 farm families in Mayo. The Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme is delivering real value on the ground by supporting better breeding decisions, improving calf quality, and strengthening integration between the dairy and beef sectors. These payments recognise the commitment of Mayo farmers to best practice and high welfare standards.”
The Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme supports dairy farmers in improving the genetic merit of calves through the use of high‑quality beef sires. Payments are being made in respect of eligible calves born between January 1 and December 31 2025, with participants receiving €20 per eligible calf, up to a maximum of 50 calves per herd.
Minister Dillon also highlighted the continuity built into the scheme: “Farmers who applied in 2024 or 2025 will automatically continue in the scheme. It will reopen for new applicants in April 2026, ensuring continued opportunities for farmers who wish to join.” Payments will appear in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days.
Farmers seeking further information on their Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme payment can contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Direct Payments Helpline at 057‑8674422 or email dairybeef@agriculture.gov.ie.
READ MORE: New Jalopy Bar coffee truck officially opens at Lough Lannagh in Mayo
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