Sheep farmers are currently encountering a significant challenge as they strive to implement more efficient and data-driven farming practices. The introduction of automatic sheep handling crates has undeniably transformed the industry, allowing farmers to collect essential data while minimizing the need for manual labor. These high-tech units are capable of impressive tasks, such as weighing and drafting sheep at a rate of 800 head per hour. However, the existing grant system for agricultural equipment, particularly the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS), does not accurately consider the cost differences between basic and high-spec handling units.
The cost of these cutting-edge sheep handling units ranges from €16,500 to €20,500 + VAT, with major market players like TePari and Clipex dominating the industry in Ireland and the UK. It is worth noting that the Irish designed cotter crate also deserves recognition for its capability to integrate with electronic dosing guns, ensuring precise medication dosage based on the animal’s weight. Nonetheless, the current grant system under TAMS does not provide a fair and inclusive cost assessment for these high-tech units, creating a significant barrier for farmers seeking to invest in labor-saving technologies.
In contrast, the UK’s Farm Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) appears to be more accommodating to the needs of farmers in this regard. The FETF offers a 50% grant rate for automatic weighing and drafting crates for sheep, with an average expected cost of £15,992 (€ 18,596). This grant coverage more accurately aligns with the actual cost of these units, which is crucial for farmers seeking financial support for advanced agricultural technology.
There is an urgent need for a separate grant category with an accurate reference cost to facilitate the adoption of automatic sheep handlers among farmers. These high-tech units not only reduce labor input but also provide valuable data for making informed breeding decisions, such as 40-day weights and average live weight gains. Furthermore, the targeted and precise dosing administered by these units can significantly contribute to addressing anthelminthic resistance in flocks.
In conclusion, the discrepancy in the treatment of high-tech agricultural equipment in grant systems is leaving sheep farmers at a disadvantage. Addressing this technology gap is essential to empower farmers with the tools they need to enhance productivity and sustainability in sheep farming. By establishing a fair and reflective grant system for automatic sheep handling crates, farmers can harness the full potential of these innovative solutions, ultimately benefiting both their individual operations and the industry as a whole.