EFFORTS to have dual purpose breeds, such as the Fleckvieh, made eligible for the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme, came to fruition this week. 
In previous years, some dual-purpose breeds were eligible for payment, but in 2015 the new scheme’s notes omitted these animals, making them ineligible to receive support. However, following efforts by NFU Scotland, this has now been reversed, meaning that farmers can now claim on 2016-born dual-purpose bred calves. 
But those claiming dual-purpose cattle breeds will need to provide additional evidence to prove they are in a beef production system. These claims will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
NFU Scotland’s livestock policy manager, John Sleigh, commented: “We have fought hard over the last year to create a level playing field for Fleckvieh beef cattle farmers.
“By challenging the Scottish Government on this, it has now been confirmed that all dual-purpose breeds such as Fleckvieh cattle being used in beef systems in Scotland will receive payments under the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme. 
“Whilst this is not an issue that affects thousands of farmers, for those it does, it offers vital support to their business. We have some farmers who are running over 100 Fleckvieh cows in a suckler system and missing out on thousands of pounds of support – this is nearly impossible to absorb. Our efforts prove that lobbying hard to create fairness for farmers does pay off.” 
A ScotGov spokesperson said: “we have listened and responded positively to the concerns expressed by the NFUS about the exclusion of dual use breeds such as the Fleckvieh breed. Where dual use cattle breeds are used in beef production they will be eligible for support from the SSBSS.”