Reminder to sheep and goat keepers to return Annual Inventory cards

Sheep and goat keepers are reminded that they must return their Annual Inventory card to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

This applies to all currently registered flock keepers even if they had no sheep or goats on their holding, at the period of the inventory.

The Annual Inventory card, which was issued to flock keepers in November 2009, must be returned to DARD immediately, either in the pre-paid envelope provided at the time or completed online on the Rural NI website by the flock keeper or through an agent.

Note that those flock keepers who have already returned the Annual Inventory card in December 2009 or earlier this year do not have to complete another card at this time.

Flock keepers who have not returned their inventory card will be sent a reminder along with a replacement card within the next few days. Flock keepers who have lost or misplaced their Annual Inventory card can obtain a copy from their local DARD Direct Office.

Failure to return an Annual Inventory card will result in the Flock Keeper Registration being “archived” for system security and cross-compliance reasons. Archived keeper registrations will not be able to obtain ear tag purchase authorisations or record movements of sheep to market or slaughter.

It is also important that details of the Annual Inventory returns are recorded in the Flock Register. The information provided to DARD will be used for any on-farm checks such as Cross Compliance and failure to provide this information may result in Single Farm Payment penalties.

Notes to editors:

1. Flock keepers are obliged under the 'Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) Order (NI) 2009' to communicate annually to DARD the total numbers of animals on the holding including the categories to which they belong, the occupation of the flock keeper and type of production.
2. All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.