Livestock units, how is the age of the animal calculated

n1st · 20-10-2023 11:49am #1

With LUs for male cattle varying from 0.4, 0.7 and 1 LU depending on the age of the animal, how does the department calculate the age, is it the age at beginning of the year or is it calculated each month?

e.g. 10 weanlings bought in March at 9 months old = 9 x 0.4 LUs over a 12 month period. But these animals are 1 year old come June, do they move to 0.7 LU for the rest of the year or stay at 0.4 LU?

Hard Knocks · 20-10-2023 12:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058318938/livestock-units-how-is-the-age-of-the-animal-calculated

I think this is done at the end of every month, the value depends on the age at the time of reporting

Base price · 20-10-2023 1:10pm

According to this link it is calculated weekly.

file:///C:/Users/Win_User/Downloads/233402_785ab6fa-a25e-4e0c-a393-49e87d748a05-1.pdf

n1st · 20-10-2023 3:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121262646#Comment_121262646

can you upload that file or where did you get it from?

I'm surprised this information is not available. I might be able to figure it out with the Cap calculator https://cap-calculators.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/stocking-rate

Base price · 20-10-2023 4:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121263471#Comment_121263471

If you copy the link into you search bar it will open the file.

If you are on Agfood click on Direct Payments (BPS/Greening/SPS) and it opens a new screen. On the top right hand side you will see your current stocking density. You can click on View Stocking Density (green box) and select years to see what your stocking density was.

emaherx · 20-10-2023 9:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121263663#Comment_121263663

Your link is to the file on your own hard drive so it can't work for anyone else.

Base price · 20-10-2023 9:58pm

Google search "a guide to stocking density panel for farmers" it will bring it up.

n1st · 20-10-2023 10:29pm

Link here Stocking Density Panel https://assets.gov.ie/233402/785ab6fa-a25e-4e0c-a393-49e87d748a05.pdf

It doesn't explain how dafm calculate LUs over the year but it does mention weekly calculations and how the agfood app can show you your own status ( I can't see the option in mine on phone anyway)

kollegeknight · 21-10-2023 10:15am

They badly need a phone friendly version of the site. Near impossible to navigate from phone

n1st · 08-11-2023 1:00pm

Update here;

Teagasc Advisor has confirmed that the DAFM calculate the units at midnight each night.

Meaning as your animal switches from < 1 year to 1 < 2 years old the LUs increase immediately.

Livestock units, how is the age of the animal calculated

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