Beef Efficiency Scheme January 12, 2016 12:00 am Suckled calf producers in Scotland should have received a letter, diary and further information about ‘getting ready’ for the Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES) (full guidance is not expected until the Spring). The scheme will formally open for applications from April 2016, although producers can pre-register (with no obligation) between January and April – go to www.scoteid.com/bes As information is required for all calves born since January 1st 2016 producers should have received a diary to use to maintain the information required in the interim. The scheme is for five years and the aim is to develop herds to become as efficient as possible by improving genetic selection for traits such as growth rates, feed conversion, maternal behaviour, nutrition and disease resistance. Producers will be required to collect and enter data about their herd on the ScotEID system. Participants will receive an area payment for the first three years of the scheme which will be equivalent to approximately £30 per calf. The first payment will be in March 2017.
