The deadline to submit 2021 sheep and goat census forms is almost up. Forms must be sent in by 14th February 2022
Some herd keepers experienced delays receiving their census forms, so the date was extended for postal returns. The deadline for online submissions remains the same. Farmers can also submit forms online via agfood.ie, where real-time confirmation of successful submission is confirmed.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue reinforces that it is a legal requirement to complete a sheep or goat census form.
He also highlighted benefits of completing the census online. These include a facility to view census history, and that sheep keepers registered for online services can also order books of sheep dispatch or movement documents online through the animal identification and movements (AIM) system.
“Notwithstanding the extended closing date, the onus remains with the flock or herd keeper to make sure that completed postal returns of census forms are received on time. Keepers should be aware that, in the case of dispute regarding postal returns, the only acceptable proof of postage is a registered post receipt. Postal certificates or express post receipts are not acceptable as proof of postage,” he said.
He reminded all registered sheep and goat herd keepers a failure to return a completed form on time could impact eligibility for certain Department schemes.
LSL News.