RDPE NW Livestock Performance Grants - October update

Monday 02 November 2009

PERFORMANCE grant projects funded by the North West Livestock Programme have so far helped farmers fund the following items to improve farm performance.

Following the recommendations of the programme's SAC/local vet animal health and welfare plans, successful applicants have received 40% grants for back-flush and heat detection systems, comfort mattresses and cubicles, specialist handling facilities (for cattle and sheep) and specialist calf feeders.

So far Nutrient Management projects, following recommendations made in Nutrient Management plans by Promar, have included covering middens, silage pits and installing slurry aerators.

And Resource Efficiency projects have included heat recovery systems and plate coolers for dairy farms, again through recommendations made through Promar's Resource Efficiency Audits.

So far a total of 62 applications for grants have been made, the bulk of which have come from dairy enterprises (53 dairy or dairy mixed, 8 beef and sheep and one poultry).

Forty applications have been made on animal health and welfare grounds, 11 for Nutrient Management improvements, seven for Resource Efficiency savings and a further four taking advantage of two of these elements combined having had more than one plan or audit carried out on farm.

These applications have come from Cumbria (39 applications), Cheshire (15), Lancashire (7) and Greater Manchester (1).

Naturally not all grant applications were successful. Some have been amended and a couple were turned down by the panel, either because there was duplication with Catchment Sensitive Farming grants, or because the application was for basic standard farm items which are not eligible.

The maximum grant rate is 40%. The minimum amount is £2,000 / the maximum is £8,000 per application. No more than £12,000 is allowed per business from the total grant pot.

Click Here for how to apply for Performance Grants, Plans and Audits