Today, it was announced that participants in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) now have access to amend their 2026 yearly reference number. The window to amend the 2026 yearly reference numbers is open from today, January 22, until February 12, 2026. Alternatively, farmers can increase their 2026 yearly reference number by any number back up to their programme reference number set at the application stage, where the farmer or their FAS Advisor had amended their yearly reference number in 2023, 2024 or 2025. If a farmer knows or suspects that the minimum of 50% of cows to calve by June 30 won't be met, a requirement of the 2025 yearly reference number, they should take this opportunity to reduce their 2026 yearly reference number. Farmers who do not wish to amend their 2026 yearly reference number will have the previous year's reference number automatically roll over if no amendment is submitted.

Source: Irish Examiner January 22, 2026 15:27 UTC