ICSA president Sean McNamara has described cuts to payment rates under the Beef and Sheep Welfare Schemes as deeply unfair and counterproductive, particularly after farmers were encouraged to invest in animal welfare improvements. "Farmers stepped up - but the Department didn't. Rather than rewarding stronger participation, farmers are now being punished for doing the right thing. That's no way to build trust or deliver real welfare outcomes," he said.

 Payment rates for 2025 are being cut from €75/calf to €67/calf in the Beef Welfare Scheme, and from €13/ewe to €11.50/ewe in the Sheep Welfare Scheme due to both schemes being oversubscribed.

 Continuing Mr McNamara said, "Oversubscription should trigger extra support, not cuts. If more farmers are prioritising animal welfare, that's a success story. Instead, a funding gap means farmers are being short-changed. Payment rates should be moving up not down, especially when costs are rising and inflation continues to bite."

 He said that these cuts will directly impact essential animal health measures such as vaccination and faecal egg count testing. "These schemes are designed to promote best practice in herd and flock health. Cutting payments linked to those measures makes no sense whatsoever and risks farmers stepping back from vital improvements."

 "Adding insult to injury, Budget 2026 failed to increase allocations for these schemes, putting farmers at risk of further payment cuts next year if the shortfall is not addressed. Minister Heydon must urgently top up current funding and increase 2026 allocations to protect the promised maximum payment rates.

 Farmers were told the momentum towards €300 per suckler cow and €35 per ewe - when combined with SCEP and Sheep Improvement Schemes - would be maintained. These schemes are vital to sustaining family farm incomes, and farmers cannot be expected to accept a stalled or shrinking support system."