A new calving interval of 410 days measured on an individual animal basis has been added to the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS).
The Scottish government said the new calving interval will help cut emissions intensity and make beef production more efficient.
Other details about the actions farmers and crofters will have to take to receive agricultural support payments from 2025 have been unveiled.
The changes are part of the latest update to the Agricultural Reform route map – a guide to help farmers and crofters prepare for the gradual transition to the new agricultural support framework which will start in 2027.
As part of the move to the new framework, changes from 2025, as well as the new SSBSS calving interval, also include the first Whole Farm Plan conditions which require farmers and crofters to complete two baselining activities from a list of options.
These options are: carbon audits; biodiversity audits; soil analysis; the creation of animal health and welfare plans; or integrated pest management plans.
There will also be new conditions for peatlands and wetlands under Good Agricultural Environmental Conditions (GAEC) 6 of Cross Compliance to help protect carbon stores.
‘Support for farming is changing’
Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “As we have said for some time, support for farming in Scotland is changing.
“From 2025, farmers and crofters will have to deliver new things in return for basic payments.
“These changes will allow us to continue to produce high quality food and to do so in a way that helps us to tackle climate change and enhance nature.”
Gougeon said as Scotland continues the transition to a new agricultural support framework, the government wants to make sure that farmers and crofters “know exactly what they need to do to prepare for this change”.
“Through our Agricultural Reform route map, supported with extensive engagement with the sector, we are making sure the sector is kept informed of key updates to future support,” she said.
“It is clear that many farmers and crofters have already begun this journey successfully.
“I would urge all farmers and crofters to look at the available information, to ensure they are ready for the changes to come.”
