Grant applications are now open for a Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant to replace, upgrade or build new calf housing buildings to deliver health and welfare benefits for your calves.
Grant background
Animal Health and Welfare Infrastructure grants are an opportunity for farmers to receive co-funding for large infrastructure projects that help to continually improve the health and welfare of their animals. Grants of between £15,000 and £500,000 are available.
You can apply for a grant if you’re an existing cattle farmer carrying out farming activity, including calf rearing, with 11 or more cattle. Any buildings you build or upgrade with money from the grant must be located in England.
Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant
The first of these grants, the Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant, is available for cattle keepers to co-fund new and upgraded calf housing that improves social contact (rearing calves in small groups) and the ambient environment.
This includes adequate ventilation, protection from draughts, and suitable temperature and humidity. Poor ventilation is an issue for many buildings. Modifying or replacing such a building will greatly increase the health and vigour of the calves reared in it. This will improve the growth and performance of calves as they go into adult life — bringing a major benefit to your bottom line. Healthy and thriving calves carry fewer costs — they require fewer vet visits and treatments. They perform better and are more valuable.
How to apply
Before applying, you should read the official guidance on GOV.UK. which explains the eligibility criteria for the grant and the information you will need to supply.
The application process has 3 stages:
Stage 1: the online checker – this enables farmers to check if they are eligible to apply and make an initial application.
Stage 2: an ambient environment assessment – this is where details are shared of the design and specification of the proposed calf housing project.
Stage 3: the full application
If the Ambient Environment Scores highly enough, the applicant will be sent the full application forms. These will be assessed to see how well the project meets the grant funding priorities.
You have until 30th November to use the online checker to determine whether you can apply for a grant.
Find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/calf-housing-for-health-and-welfare-2023
