Livestock producers have one month left to apply for equipment grants to improve animal health and welfare on their farms.
The expanded Farming Equipment and Technology Fund grant scheme offers funding towards a broad range of commonly used pieces of equipment and technology.
The Animal Health & Welfare section of Defra’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund offers part-funding for more than 130 items, including an additional 29 new products compared to previous years.
These include handling facilities, weigh crates, livestock cameras, automatic drench gun and EID readers. The minimum grant funding is £1,000 and the maximum is £25,000, towards the cost of the equipment.
Increased grants
For many items, this percentage is an increase on last year. This funding will go towards either the average cost of an item purchased from a Defra-approved list – or the actual cost paid for the item if it is less than the cost on the list.
Applications must be made before 1 May. Separately, farmers can apply for grant funding of between £1,000 and £50,000 for productivity and slurry items. Applications for this part of the scheme close on 17 April.
Megan Proctor, a rural surveyor with Galbraith, said: “This is a useful source of support for farm businesses, particularly as input costs have risen significantly – especially for feed and fertiliser.
“It is worth setting aside some time to assess what equipment you may need and whether it is covered by the scheme. It can feel like just more paperwork at a very busy time of the year, but in our experience it is well worth submitting an application.”
Competitive fund
The fund is competitive. Farmers who decide to apply can increase their application score – and chance of grant approval – by providing evidence that they have discussed their application with a vet.
Veterinary advice can be obtained by telephone, email, or as part of a vet visit. Farmers may be eligible to apply for a fully-funded vet visit as part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) annual health and welfare review.
Farmers must have received veterinary advice on their application after 1 January for it to be eligible. They will need to provide their vet’s details, the date of the discussion and permission for Defra to contact the farm vet following an application.
For details, visit bit.ly/FETF2024
Funding for slurry kit
Grants for a range of slurry equipment are availab le under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2024. Eligible products include dribble bar and trailing shoe applicators, hose reels and drag hose, slurry separators, flow- meters, mobile slurry chopper pumps and remote-control systems for engine-driven pumps.
Significant funding is available for slurry separators which are a useful management tool, says Terry Baker of slurry specialists Tramspread.
“Removing solids from slurry makes in-store management easier.This provides increased application output from both tankers and umbilical systems. Less friction in umbilical hoses allows for longer pumping distances and reduces wear on the pump, hose and applicator, and saves fuel too.”
FETF grants are available for mobile separators for the first time, and there are two Stallkamp options. Funding is also available for fixed separators. Tramspread also supplies pumps, gantries and control panels.
