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National Sheep Welfare Scheme
Up to €13/Ewe
Last checked October 2026
What it is
Annual welfare payment per breeding ewe for completing welfare actions in 2026, separate from the Sheep Improvement Scheme. Applications for 2026 have closed.
Who can get it
- You farm sheep and hold an ovine active DAFM herd number
- You submitted a valid 2026 BISS application in the required period and a 2025 National Sheep Census by 15 February 2026
Good to know
- You choose two Category A actions (shearing or body condition scoring with follow-on management or vaccination of ewes) and can add one Category B action (footbathing or plunge dipping). The full rate is up to €13 a ewe with three actions and up to €8 with only two Category A actions. Payment is reduced where not all actions are completed.
- Applications closed on 15 May 2026 with a late window to 9 June 2026.
- Actions had to be finished by 13 October 2026 or by 24 November 2026 if you chose the later date when you applied. That choice could not be changed afterwards.
- If you chose the later date payment will not issue until January 2027 at the earliest. The page gives no payment date for the earlier route.
- This is additional to the Sheep Improvement Scheme and was applied for separately.
How to apply
Applications go through DAFM. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 29 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Related guides
- Fuel Income Support Scheme
- Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme
- Beef Welfare Scheme
- TAMS 3 Dairy Equipment Scheme
- TAMS 3 Organic Capital Investment Scheme
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