There are some important BDGP deadlines which are fast approaching. The DAFM have stated that all genomic tissue tags and all data for calves born up to 30 June 2017 must be returned by 7th December in order to receive payment in mid December.
Genotyping
All outstanding genomic tissue tags must be returned prior to 7th December in order to receive payment in mid December.
Survey Data
Data pertaining to calves born in the 12 months prior to 30 June this year is what will affect your BDGP payments this December. Please ensure that you have all this survey data returned by 7th December.
Replacement Strategy
It is important if you are currently using AI to ensure that at least 80% of the sires used are 4 or 5 star either within or across all breeds on Replacement index or Terminal index. The requirements around stock bulls do not come into place until June 2019, where if you are keeping a stockbull, he will have to have a genomic proof of 4 or 5 stars either within or across all breeds on either Replacement or Terminal index.
For females, the first significant date for BDGP I (2015 – 2020) participants is the 31st of October 2018, when 20% of your reference number must be 4 or 5 stars on their first genomic proof. To be eligible, these animals must be at least 16 months of age. So, animals born after 31 June this year will not qualify for this. Females born before 1 Jan 2013 must have been either born in the herd or purchased into the herd before 5 June 2015 in order to be considered for eligibility.
Carbon Navigator
BDGP II (2017-2022) participants will have to complete a carbon navigator with a DAFM approved adviser before 31 October 2017.
BDGP I (2015-2020) participants are required to do an annual update, the first of which must be completed before 1st November 2017. The annual update does not have to be completed in conjunction with an approved adviser. This can be completed on your icbf account or via a postal form.