Two important grant schemes for new entrants to farming are now open and NFU Scotland is urging would-be applicants to check key deadlines to avoid missing out.

An estimated £20m is to be made available to new entrants through the Start-up Grant and the Capital Grant schemes - both part of the Scottish Government's Rural Development Program (SRDP).

Both schemes have eligibility criteria which sets a maximum number of years that applicants can be in charge of the business. The time limits are two years for the Start-up Grant and five years for the Capital Grant. Furthermore, the Start-up Grant requires the farmer to be under 41 years of age at the time of submitting the application.

Although final details of the scheme have yet to be released, the Union is pointing out to all new entrants that if they plan on making an application to these schemes and are approaching any of these key deadlines, then it recommends that they contact their local SGRIP office or submit an application form to avoid disappointment.

The New Entrants Start-up Grant is aimed specifically at young, new entrant farmers and crofters who are starting an agricultural business for the first time or taking over control of an existing business.

Funding can be used to help with many of the costs associated with starting up an agricultural business. This could include acquiring land, purchasing equipment, machinery, livestock or constructing buildings or infrastructure. The maximum grant available is £55,000 and the exact level awarded will be determined once your application has been fully considered.

The New Entrants Capital Grant scheme provides grants for people new to farming to make improvements to their agricultural business and help promote sustainable development. Funding can be used for capital projects, such as the construction or improvement of agricultural buildings.

Funding for eligible capital projects can cover all aspects of the projects, including the cost of materials, transportation of materials, costs of contractors and your own labour. The total amount of grant aid you can apply for in any two-year period is up to £25,000 as an individual or up to £125,000 as a group. Approximately £2m will be available each year for this scheme until 2020.

Mull farmer Iain MacKay, who chairs NFUS New Generation Group said: "We will be holding New Generation group meetings around the country in February to give and receive further comments."

Market round-up

Wallets Marts sold 1296 prime hoggs in Castle Douglas on Tuesday to a top of £101 per head and 228.8p per kg to average 187.9p (+4p on the week).

The 363 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £123 for Texels and £84 for Blackfaces.