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As the round 2 window opens of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, we look at how farmers can benefit from grant aid for cattle hoof trimming crushes. As a result of grant aid, there is support of almost £2000 available for those considering a new foot trimming crush.
The very process of grant application can appear daunting. A stigma surrounds such applications, where it can seem the labour involved with paperwork outweighs the benefit. However, www.gov.uk have outlined the application process quite clearly. The application process has become much simpler recently and is very much worthwhile.
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund
The grant is divided into two main sections, or themes. You can apply for either scheme, or for both.
- Productivity and Slurry items
- Animal Health and Welfare items
The animal health and welfare theme opened on 23 March 2023 and will remain open until 15 June 2023. More info can be found on the animal health and welfare scheme and the application portal here. A list of eligible items under the grant for animal health and welfare items can be found in annex 4.
Historically, grant money was calculated on a percentage basis. In this case an item was set at a particular value, and the grant recipient was paid out a percentage based on this value. This tended to pose problems as items in a lot of cases were undervalued. This led to the percentage pay-out in the grant being much smaller than the items actual worth. In the case of the farming equipment and technology fund, all items are paid out on a flat rate. This means the grant recipient knows exactly how much he/she can expect to receive.
Hoof Trimming Crushes Under the Animal Health and Welfare Scheme
The animal health and welfare theme offers a payment of £1918 for a ‘Specialist Foot Trimming Cattle Crush’ (Item FETF64). There are several standards a crush is expected to meet to qualify for the grant.
- Specially designed for foot trimming and not other purposes
- Internal width of 720mm
- Complete with head yoke, rotating rump bar and motorised winches
- Belly bands or support lifting strap.
- Fully galvanised or powder coated.
- Metal floors must have anti-slip rubber fitted.
- Wooden floors are not eligible.
Eko Hoofcare offer several grant eligible crushes to suit farm size and budget. The Ekochute range is highly adaptable and customisable to farm size. Therefore customers can choose from the minimum grant spec requirements to the fully automated Electro.
The Ten Napel Farmer Pro hydraulic unit is perfect for large farms with high volumes of cattle. It boasts power and full automation as well as a host of optional extras. As a result it minimises labour involved in foot trimming.
Although the specifications are clearly listed for grant aid for cattle hoof trimming crushes, it’s important to look at factors to consider when buying a hoof trimming crush to ensure you’re making the right decision.
For more information or help and support, contact the Eko Hoofcare team on 078 4587 6633 or email info@ekohoofcare.com
