Staying on top of your SCEP requirements is essential to avoid penalties. Below is a simple breakdown of what every herd owner needs to know for the year ahead.
1. Reference Number
For SCEP 2026 you must calve 50% of your reference number between 1st July 2025 and 30th of June 2026 and you must genotype 70% of your reference number by Nov 30th.
Where a herd is not calving enough to meet their genotyping requirement and has the rest of their beef stock genotypeda herd should consider reducing their reference number. This will be available to review from late January to mid-February. DAFM will contact herds by text. Call 05708674422 or email [email protected] with queries.
2. Genotyping Requirement
Every herd must genotype 70% of their reference number and have them returned by Nov 30th. The genotyping requirement does not change for a herd in NGP.
3. Extra Samples
If a herd returns more samples than their requirement in a year, the extra samples can’t roll over to the next year.
4. Keep Track
In order for samples to be counted they must be received by Nov 30th. You can check your progress on the ICBF homepage/HerdPlus app.
5. Order tags
Herds can order double tissue tags to DNA sample calves from birth. Where there are leftover regular EID tags a herd can order DNA button tags to match these tags. If a herd is short genotype samples and has any ungenotyped beef stock a herd they can contact ICBF to order a sample kit.
6. Birth Registration
When a calf is born make sure it is registered within 27 days of birth. Late registration can reduce SCEP payment. Ensure calves are registered straight away. Don’t wait for lab results. Where samples are delayed the calf will not be a late registration once it was already registered online.
7. Dead Calves
Returning genotype samples from dead calves can count towards your requirement. Make sure to register the calf before sending them to the knackery.