Farmers must ensure that at least 50% of their SCEP reference number calved during the required period:
1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026
Farmers should check that:
- At least 50% of the SCEP reference number calved during the required period.
- All calves have been correctly registered with DAFM/ICBF.
- Sire and AI details have been recorded correctly.
- Any discrepancies in calving or registration records have been addressed.
Example: If your SCEP reference number is 30, you need at least 15 cows to have calved during the required period.
2. Sire Requirement - 85%
SCEP participants must meet the required genetic merit target for progeny.
For 2026, farmers should ensure that at least 85% of the required progeny are sired by eligible 4- or 5-star animals.
Farmers should:
- Check that at least 85% of required progeny meet the sire requirement.
- Check the SCEP eligibility of stock bulls being used.
- Check AI sires for SCEP eligibility before use.
- Monitor changes to bull star ratings through ICBF.
- Keep appropriate records of stock bulls and AI used.
It is important to check the current ICBF information rather than relying solely on a bull's previous star rating, as genetic evaluations can change.
3. Replacement Females - 65%
Replacement females are an important part of the SCEP genetic improvement requirements.
Farmers should check that they have sufficient eligible replacement females and that they meet the required genetic merit criteria.
For 2026, the relevant target is 65% of the SCEP reference number.
Farmers should:
- Check their replacement female requirement.
- Ensure the required percentage of the reference number is represented by eligible replacement females.
- Ensure replacement females meet the required 4- or 5-star Replacement Index criteria.
- Check the ICBF profile of potential replacements.
- Check their SCEP eligibility before selling suitable replacement cows or heifers.
Tip: Before selling a high-star cow or heifer, check your SCEP position first. Selling an animal that is contributing towards your replacement requirement could leave you short of the required number.
4. Genotyping
Genotyping is one of the mandatory SCEP actions.
For 2026, farmers must genotype at least 70% of their SCEP reference number.
Farmers should:
- Calculate the number of animals that need to be genotyped.
- Check ICBF HerdPlus → SCEP/Genotyping.
- Identify the animals required for genotyping.
- Ensure sampling kits/tags have been received.
- Take samples correctly.
- Submit samples to ICBF.
- Check that samples have been received by ICBF.
- Ensure all required samples are received by ICBF by 30 November 2026.
⚠️ Don't leave genotyping until the last minute
If an animal selected for genotyping is due to be sold, farmers should take the required sample before the animal leaves the holding.
It is also important to check the ICBF system regularly to make sure submitted samples have been received and are being counted towards the SCEP requirement.
5. Weighing Requirement
SCEP participants must weigh the required percentage of eligible calves with their dams.
For 2026, farmers should ensure that at least 80% of eligible calves are weighed.
The following points are important
- At least 80% of eligible calves are weighed with their dams.
- Calves are at least 50 days old.
- Calves are still unweaned.
- The calf and dam are weighed on the same day.
- Appropriate registered scales are used.
- Weights are submitted to ICBF within 7 days.
- Weights are submitted before the final deadline.
2026 weighing deadline - 5:30pm on 1 November 2026
Don't wait until the deadline. Weather, housing, weaning and other farm management issues can make late weighing difficult.
6. Records & Surveys
Good record keeping is essential for SCEP compliance.
Farmers should ensure that:
- All calves are registered within the required timeframe.
- Calving details are recorded correctly.
- Sire/AI information is accurate.
- Required ICBF SCEP surveys are completed.
- Animal movements are correctly recorded.
- Deaths and disposals are recorded correctly.
- Supporting records are retained.
- ICBF HerdPlus is checked regularly for outstanding actions.
- DAFM correspondence is checked for any SCEP-related notifications.
