We are writing to report the latest progress of this scheme.
You may already be familiar with the Annual Health and Welfare Review (AHWR). When it comes into force, this scheme will offer a yearly payment for a vet to come to the farm to assess the health of the animals and make recommendations for possible improvements. It will be available to anyone with at least 10 cattle, 20 sheep or 50 pigs, and at least 5 ha of land and 5 entitlements. Payments rates are:
- £684 for pigs
- £436 for sheep
- £522 for beef cattle
- £372 for dairy cattle
If you fit into more than one of these categories, you can claim the payment for each one. That means, for example, if you have 15 beef cattle and 30 sheep, you could claim £958 in total for two separate assessments, one for the cattle and one for the sheep.
Once you have had an assessment, the Government has suggested this will open funding for other items to improve stock health, perhaps including vaccinations or feed supplements.
The scheme is set to open later this year, but it is piloting now. Joining the pilot will mean that you can access this money sooner, but you will not receive any extra payment.
If you wish to join the pilot, you can email the Government directly at AHWR_enquiries@defra.gov.uk to register your interest, or contact us.