Welfare payments begin for Leitrim beef farmers

The process of paying  800,000 to Leitrim beef farmers as part of the Beef Welfare Scheme began yesterday.

28.7m will be paid out to farmers under the scheme, which is aimed at supporting the economic viability of the beef sector in Ireland and improving the health of animals on farms.

There are 24,214 participating farmers supporting 450,895 due to receive payments under the scheme, 1,140 of those farmers are in Leitrim.

The scheme pays farmers per head of cattle; the payment per cow was reduced earlier this year from 75 to 67 due to the oversubscription to the programme.

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Donegal will receive €1,200,668 for its 1,505 participating farmers, while €983,814 will be paid out to 1,048 Sligo farmers.

Minister Harkin said the scheme represents a significant support for suckler farmers at a time of ongoing cost pressures.

She added that timely payment was essential, “Farmers depend on prompt and reliable payment schedules to manage cash flow and plan ahead. I am pleased to see these payments issuing without delay and acknowledge the work involved in ensuring this commitment under the Charter of Rights is met.”

Minister Heydon’s confirmed that a further €28 million has been secured for 2026, ensuring continuity of vital supports for the suckler sector.

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