More than 48,000 sheep and goat farmers have been issued with annual census forms by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue reported that the usual response rate is around 90 per cent and he is hoping there will be a similar level of engagement with the 2021 census.
The sheep and goat census provides statistical information to organisations supporting the industry said the DAFM.
Friday, December 31, is the census date which is similar to previous years. The DAFM has pointed out that keepers should be aware that completion and return of the census is a legal obligation.
Individual farmers completing the census show that required stocking rates are being maintained and facilitate the drawing down of payments under schemes such as the Sheep Welfare Scheme, Basic Payment Scheme, Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, SEOS and GLAS.
The information us used to identify whether animal records have been maintained through the keeper’s flock register.
The DAFM reminded owners that census data can be can be returned online via Agfood by 14 February or for postal returns, the cut-off date for submission is 31 January, 2022.