What penalties will I be subject to if I do not purchase a ram as planned in 2025?

There terms and conditions state that where an applicant fails to complete the genotyped ram action in the year selected applicants will not receive payment for the genotyped ram action for the year in question and will receive a 50% penalty on their Action A payment. In such a scenario, the genotyped ram action will roll over in to the following year and replace the standard action B which would be due for completion in that year.

If an applicant fails to complete the genotyped ram action in the following year, the applicant will receive no payment for either Action A or Action B for that year and an administrative penalty of 20% based on the overall amount which would have been payable in the scheme year will be imposed. The applicant will also be deemed ineligible to participate in subsequent scheme years and will be withdrawn from the scheme.

Is it possible to bring forward the year for purchasing a genotyped ram as I purchased one in 2024?

The decision on changing the year selected for purchasing an eligible ram will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Agriculture sheep scheme section. It is advisable to contact them including details of when the ram was purchased and proof of eligibility.

How often does a ram’s genetic evaluation change. Is there anywhere I can check to get the latest genetic evaluation?

This is an important question. Genetic evaluations take place on a weekly basis so there is a chance that a ram’s evaluation could change. It is, therefore, important to check the status of rams on the Sheep Ireland ramsearch; https://appsh.sheep.ie/ram-search, on the date of purchase, if it is not printed in a sale catalogue on that day.

I have two genotyped rams pushing on in age and I have a lot of daughters retained. Can I sell these on now to another flockowner who is required to purchase a ram in year two?

Yes, these rams can be sold to another flock, but it is important to ensure that they are still rated as four- or five-star on the replacement or terminal index at the point of sale as an animal’s genetic evaluation can change as more information becomes available. The latest genetic evaluation can be found on the Sheep Ireland ram search facility, https://appsh.sheep.ie/ram-search. Rams can be searched by NSIS tag number, pedigree ID, animal name, etc.

Can I swap a ram with my neighbour or get the loan of a ram to use for the year?

Under the terms and conditions a ram must be purchased to satisfy scheme requirements. A financial transaction must take place and the animal must change ownership as per National Sheep Identification Rules.

Is there a minimum length I need to retain a ram and can the same ram satisfy the requirements of two flocks in one season?

Yes, the same ram can satisfy the requirements of more than one flock. There is no minimum timeframe outlined in the terms and conditions for retaining a ram. These state that applicants to the scheme are “required to purchase and use a genotyped ram within the scheme year(s) that they have selected for this action on their application”. Common sense needs to prevail on the length of time the ram is used. For example, it could be a maternal ram used for a cycle before switching to a terminal ram or change of breed, etc. The ram must be traded and be SIS eligible at the point of purchase.

Is there any age limit on rams that can be purchased?

There is no age limit on rams as long as they satisfy the scheme requirements on the day of purchase.

I have two-, four- and five-star three and four-year-old rams in my flock. If I genotype one of these and they remain four- or five-star will they satisfy the scheme requirements?

Rams already in your flock will not suffice for you. As per the terms and conditions of the scheme, a ram must be purchased in the year that you selected when submitting your application.