The Beef Sector Efficiency Programmes include the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme Sucklers (BEEP-S) and the Dairy Beef Calf Programme.  The closing date for completion of the weighing is fast approaching in both schemes as 5:30 on Monday November 1st is the deadline for having weights recorded onto the ICBF database.

This is a change to previous years as herd owners do not have 7 days after the closing date of the scheme to enter the weights onto the ICBF database for the 2021 schemes. If a herd owner is recording weights online or via a farm software package the weights must be saved onto the ICBF database by 5:30pm Monday November 1st. Likewise if a farmer decides to submit weights by post, the forms must be received by ICBF by 5:30pm on Monday the of 1st November. This may affect farmers decision of weighing dates as it will not be possible to post in weighing forms in the last days of the scheme as we cannot guarantee that they will be received by ICBF before 5:30pm Monday November 1st.

As there are still a significant proportion of the 27,000 herds in BEEP-S and 8,000 in Dairy Beef who have yet to complete weighing we strongly urge any herd who has still to weigh to make arrangements as soon as possible. As we near the end of the scheme the scales rental system will become busy especially over weekends, so it is important to book your scales urgently.

There are 100 depots spread throughout Ireland, in Co-ops, marts and FRS offices, scales can be booked through the mybeep website found here BEEP-S – ICBF

ICBF advise herd owners who have already completed weighing to check their ICBF account to ensure all weights are correctly saved and they have weighed all eligible animals. Herd owners should have received a text message from ICBF after weighing with the number of valid animals weighed, we encourage you to check that this number matches with what you believed to be weighed in your herd. All weights can be viewed on the ICBF weight profile in a herds online account and suckler herds can also view their Weaning Performance Report, both of these resources can help farmers make the best use of their weights for management purposes.

Further Information on the Beef Sector Efficiency Programmes can be found below or at BEEP-S – ICBF

How will I weigh my animals?

Animals must be weighed on-farm using a weighing platform and indicator. The platform is placed in a cattle race (crush) and animals are weighed as they pass over it. An owned/borrowed scales can be used or a scales can be rented.

How do I register an Owned scales?

If you are the owner of a scales you must register your scales with ICBF. You can do so by logging onto your ICBF account via the internet or downloading the ICBF Weight Recording app on Google play for Android users or in the App store for iPhone users. You will need to enter your username and password.

  • Username: your username is your Herd Number.
  • Password: your password is a minimum of 6 characters. If you need a password or cannot remember your current password, there are 3 ways to get your password:
  1. Text the word PASS to 089 4577663 to receive your password. NOTE: Your mobile number needs to be stored on our database for this system to work.
  2. Email Support ([email protected]).
  3. Call ICBF on 023-8832883 during office hours (9am-5.30pm).

How do I register a Third-Party scales?

If you are registering a third-party scales, you must login to your ICBF account online or download the ICBF Weight Recording app on Google Play for Android users or the App store for iPhone users.

How do I rent a scales?

Weighing scales are available throughout the country for farmers to rent for the purposes of carrying out weighing at a cost of €50 per day.

Scales can be rented via the www.mybeep.ie website BEEP-S – ICBF

How do I submit the weights?

Weights should be submitted to ICBF within 7 days of weighing and all weights must be received by ICBF before 5:30 Nov 1st. Weights can be submitted online via your ICBF account, or a paper form can be requested if necessary. If submitting weights by paper an official form must be requested from ICBF any un-official form/note/papers will not be accepted. A scales must be registered to your herd or a reservation for a scales in place before any weight recording forms can be issued. To request a paper form, call 023-8832883.

If you have need further information, please visit BEEP-S – ICBF or if you have any queries please contact ICBF on 023-8832883 or email [email protected].