The National Sheep Welfare and Sheep Improvement Schemes

David Buckley from the Department of Agriculture joins us to discuss the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme and the Sheep Improvement Scheme. 

David outlines key elements of the Welfare Scheme, including eligible tasks, increased payment rates, and compliance requirements. 

We also cover the application process, key dates, and record-keeping obligations. 

The conversation then shifts to the Sheep Improvement Scheme—now in its third year—as we explore some of the key tasks involved and the opportunities available for new entrants. We finish up with a look at the 2025 payment schedule.

For more information:

2025 National sheep welfare scheme: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/b253f-national-sheep-welfare-scheme/

Sheep Improvement Scheme: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/sheep-improvement-scheme/

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast