Livestock schemes open to applicants

Farmers in Orkney can now apply for a share of the support funds available through the Scottish Government’s beef and upland sheep schemes.

This is the first year of the new schemes and the support for beef producers replaces the old Scottish Beef Scheme. The scheme will reward farmers for calves born on or after December 2, 2014.

Farmers in Orkney also benefit from the island variation of the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme, with a higher rate to be paid to reflect the more challenging circumstances faces by farmers on the island groups.

Payments under the beef and sheep schemes are due in 2016.

Applications can be made online at https://www.ruralpayments.org