March 9, 2021 8:59 am Herd number applications have a major impact on schemes farmers are in – and as such, planning in advance is essential, according to Teagasc. Andy Ryder, a drystock advisor based at Teagasc Westport, recently explained the impact herd number applications and changes can have on schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC), Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) and forestry schemes. With these schemes making a big difference to farmers’ pockets, people must not leave herd number changes until the last minute, he stressed. Ryder noted what herd number queries he usually receives at this time of year, ranging from new applicants to farmers with existing herd numbers seeking to change the name or add a name to the herd number.