NI farmers paid out £13.3m for Suckler Cow Scheme
© Tim Scrivener Farmers in Northern Ireland will start receiving payments for taking part in year one of Daera’s Suckler Cow Scheme, which financially incentivises farm businesses for reducing calving intervals and the age of cows at first calving.
More than £13m is set to be paid out overall to producers this year, with 133,000 eligible calving events having taken place.
The scheme is designed to drive environmental and productivity gains by improving breeding management practices on farm.
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Daera minister, Andrew Muir said: “I am very encouraged by the strong uptake in year one of the Suckler Cow Scheme and am pleased to announce the commencement of the first payments under the scheme to eligible farm businesses.
“While the principal purpose of the scheme is to deliver environmental benefits, in the current economic climate, these payments will also provide important support to our farm businesses.”
A second year of the Suckler Cow Scheme opened on 1 April 2026 and will close on 31 March next year, with cattle producers set to receive £100 for each eligible calving event.
The new thresholds will reward farmers for achieving a maximum age at first calving of below 32 months and a calving interval of fewer than 405 days.
Rural business development grants
Farm businesses in Northern Ireland will also be able to apply for funding through Daera’s annual Rural Business Development Grant Scheme from 29 June until 30 July.
Daera has allocated a total funding pot of £4m for the 2026-27 scheme year to go towards the purchase of capital equipment.
Individual businesses can apply to receive funding for 50% of the cost of purchasing specialist equipment up to the value of £7,500.
Minister Muir said: “The scheme demonstrates my department’s commitment to supporting strong, sustainable and diverse rural communities, while also helping rural micro businesses to invest in their future.
“Rural businesses make an important contribution to local economies and communities. This funding will support the growth of eligible businesses and improve their sustainability credentials.”
