FARMERS were being informed of their animals selected for tissue tagging under the Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES) yesterday, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has confirmed.

Tagging kits will be sent directly from Neogen, the laboratory that will be processing the tissue samples, and will include all required equipment, instruction leaflets and a short reply form.

The return period for the tags is June 30, 2017 for this selection.

Mr Ewing said: "Beef Efficiency Scheme contract holders will be directly contacted this week informing them that the selection process has now taken place and that they can expect to receive a tagging kit by the end of the year.

"To take into account technical issues experienced in making the initial selection, we have extended the return period for tags to 30 June 2017 for this selection. This flexibility will allow farmers to carry out tagging at a time that suits their businesses and removes the need to carry out additional handling. However, we would ask that farmers return the samples to Neogen as quickly as possible.

"I also want to reiterate it is not necessary for farmers to hold off from selling their animals. Farmers should continue with their normal practices as we will ensure that the sampling regime accommodates those farmers who have sold their calves and that there will be no penalties for those who have. This may mean, however, that some farmers will have a higher rate of sampling next year."

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has written to NFU Scotland providing clarity on the eligibility of calves from dual purpose cattle breeds for inclusion in the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme.

Writing to the NFUS livestock committee, the Scottish Government has stated that calves from dual purpose breeds - such as Montbeliarde or Fleckvieh - which are part of a suckler beef herd can be claimed as part of the scheme.

From the Union's understanding, the calf's mother must not be part of a milking herd, but must be suckling its calf to be eligible for support.

Farmers claiming calves from dual purpose breeds will be asked to provide evidence that the calves are part of a suckler herd. The Union is currently seeking clarity from Scottish Government on the definition of a dual purpose breed and the best way that farmers can provide evidence that their calves are in a suckler beef system.

Those who are unsure about their claim to the scheme are advised to contact their local RPID (Rural Payments and Inspections Division) office for clarity. It is important to ensure all animals being claimed are eligible. The deadline for 2016 scheme claims is December 31.