Deadline for submission of 2021 Sheep and Goat census returns is Monday 14th February 2022

Sheep and goat keepers still have time to submit their 2021 sheep and goat census returns by the extended closing date of this coming Monday, 14th February 2022.

For 2021 returns only, this extended deadline applies to both postal and online returns.

Keepers are reminded that they must also record the census information returned to the Department in their flock registers.

Postal returns must reach Seefin Data Management, PO Box 17, An Post, Listowel D.S.U, Co Kerry by Monday 14th February 2022. Keepers using this option are strongly advised to return their forms by registered post. In the unusual event that a posted form is lost or delayed, the only accepted proof of postage is a receipt of registered post. Certificates of postage will not be accepted.

Failure to return a completed census form on time may impact on eligibility for some Department Schemes.

Online submission of sheep and goat census information is straight-forward and can be done via AgFood.ie. The online system provides confirmation when a census submission has been submitted successfully. Farmers who are not already registered for online services can do so by logging on to www.agfood.ie and clicking the option to register. As log-in details are issued by post, farmers using the system for the first time should register immediately to allow sufficient time for their log-on details to reach them at their registered address.

A guide to the submission of census data online via agfood.ie is provided on the back of the census forms that issued to keepers in mid-December 2021. Where keepers have addition questions in relation to the use of the online system, they can ‘phone DAFM at 0761-064407 for assistance.

Online submission of the 2021 census will remain an option after the extended closing date for online returns (14th February 2022). However, it should be stressed that online submission of 2021 census data after that date will be considered to be late.

Submission of a completed census is central in declaring that required stocking rates are being maintained and facilitates the drawing down of payments under schemes such as the Sheep Welfare Scheme, Basic Payment Scheme, Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, AEOS, GLAS etc. Failure to return the census on time may impact payments under these schemes and also other future related payments from this Department.

Note for Editors:

Annual Sheep and/or Goat Census 2021

• Completion and return of the Annual Sheep and/or Goat Census 2021 form is a legal obligation on the keeper. Failure to return a completed form on time may impact on eligibility for certain DAFM schemes.

• The onus is on the flock/herd keeper to make sure that completed census forms are returned on time. In respect of postal returns, the only acceptable proof of postage is a receipt of registered post.

ENDS