Beef Quality Initiative closes
Kieran Mailey, College of Food, Agriculture and Rural Enterprise, Greenmount Campus
The closing date for applications for the learning programmes of the Beef Quality Initiative (BQI Part I) is 1 August 2005. Only eligible applicants, who have enrolled by 1 August 2005, will be guaranteed a place on a BQI learning programme.
Uptake of BQI has been excellent with over 4000 training programmes delivered to date. Both the cattle breed improvement and cattle health management programmes in part 1 of BQI must be delivered by mid October 2005. Those who attend the cattle breeding management programme will then be eligible for part II for three years.
BQI is open to Northern Ireland suckler producers, who have been paid on a minimum of six suckler cow quota units in the most recent fully paid Suckler Cow Premium Scheme year and are Farm Quality Assured.
There are two parts to BQI:
Part I includes cattle breed improvement and cattle health management programmes. Both programmes are completed over four sessions and a £100 training allowance is available for applicants who attend.
- The Cattle Breed Improvement Programme aims to develop the competences of both commercial and pedigree breeders, by promoting modern production practices to improve the quality of breeding stock and acquire higher economic returns. By the end of the four sessions, participants will have produced a herd breeding plan for the individual farm. A total of £12.50 per cow is payable on completion of the breeding plan.
- The Cattle Health Management Programme provides suckler producers and beef finishers with an opportunity to develop and understanding of how health issues and management practices affect meat quality. A local veterinary practitioner covers topics such as carcase loss due to poor health practices, preventative medicine procedures and optimum pre slaughter routines. An animal health assessment will be produced by participants for their farms. £200 is payable on the completion of the assessment.
Part II offers financial assistance to implement the herd breeding plan and improve cattle quality. Financial assistance is available for a period of three years towards:
- Performance recorded pedigree and commercial calves.
- Maintenance of elite pedigree progeny.
- The purchase of an “Elite” or “Superior” bull.
- Embryo Transfer.
To enrol on a BQI course, contact the BQI admin team at Greenmount on 028 94 426880 or your local Beef and Sheep Development Advisor for an application.
Dr. Steven Johnston, BQI Co-ordinator indicates the closing date for BQI applications is 1 August 2005 to Elaine Campbell, BQI Administrator. Looking on is Kieran Mailey, assistant BQI Co-ordinator.