Applying for flock number

Ding Dong

Im looking in the near future to lease some land and a half dozen lambs for the freezer. I have to wait firstly for the opportunity to lease the land obviously before I buy in any stock, but I was advised to go ahead and get myself a flock number in the meantime.
So a couple of questions
- Can I get a number before getting land or stock?
- can i hold the number, as it maybe next year or even the year after before Im set up properly to hold sheep.
- What costs if any are invloved in getting a number - registration, renewal etc.

Any general advice? much appreciated.

jack77

see here.
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/animalhealthwelfare/registrationofpremisesanimals/InfoNoteApplicantsforaherdnumber050710.doc

eatmedrinkme

Hi Ding dong.

There are no costs (apart from the stamp) involved in the application.

I sent my application in, and the inspector was out within the week to check my premises (oddly, I was applying for a sheep flock number, but as soon as he saw our cattle crush, he signed off on the application).

You don;t need stock to get a number, but there might be a time limit on unused flock numbers ( if memory serves, it's six momnths).

It's you local DVO you will be dealing with (you Dstrict Veterinary Office) so it's perhaps best to give them a call - it's often the sma eperson, so after a couple of phone calls, they'll probably remember you. Here's the link to the local offices nationwide, click for contact details.

Take their address too - as that is where you will send the application form to.

Hope this helps!