Sheep Improvement Scheme – Open for New Entrants

The Sheep Improvement Scheme is now open for new entrants. If you are considering joining, here is a quick overview of what you get paid, what you must do, and the key deadline.

What you get paid for

You receive €12 per breeding ewe per year. This reference number is based on your last 3 census returns.

To stay in the scheme, you must:

• Submit your BISS application every year
• Submit your sheep census on time

If you don’t do these, you won’t get paid.

Actions you must complete

You must pick and complete at least 2 welfare actions.

Select 1:

• Lameness control
• Dosing / parasite control (faecal egg counts)
• Mineral feeding
• Meal feeding lambs

& Select 1:

• Scanning ewes
• Flystrike prevention

Genotyped Ram Rule

You must buy/use a genotyped ram during the scheme:

• Small flocks (≤150 ewes): once during the scheme
• Bigger flocks (>150 ewes): twice during the scheme

If you have any questions about the Sheep Improvement Scheme or need help with your application, feel free to get in touch.