Change threat to beef farming

Beef producers could be sold down the river if the Scottish Beef Calf Scheme (SBCS) suffers any top-slicing of the single farm payment, says the Scottish Beef Cattle Association.

The SBCS was introduced when the most recent reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy became effective on 1 January 2005.

There are two rates of payment: £78.82 on the first ten calves and then £76.82 on all other calves with no headage limit.

However, the scheme has a budget capped at £20 million so the rates can vary from year to year, depending on the number of applicants.

The basic idea is to encourage farmers and crofters to maintain herds of suckler cows. At present the SBCS is funded by top-slicing 10 per cent all elements of the single farm payment (SFP) associated with beef production. The scheme is not universally popular with all producers, especially specialist finishers of prime cattle, but it is considered a success.