Notifying farm to farm movements of sheep

The recording of Sheep movements with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is mandatory and automatically happens with animals going through marts and factories.

Throughout the year there will be numerous movements of predominately breeding stock by farm-to-farm movements which also require notification to the DAFM.

We are all familiar with this extra work but as with most tasks, it does not always take place on a correct basis.

The App launched by the Department over a year ago can be an assistance in making life easier and reduce errors which gives you a secure and easy way to notify animal movement information.

Getting Started

You must already have an agfood.ie online account which will be used to logon. The new App operates similar to the banking online Apps in that you set up a PIN number, and a phone is to be set up to receive a validation code.

The App can be downloaded from this site https://aimsportal.agriculture.gov.ie

A significant benefit of using the App is that either the buyer or seller can notify the movement. Additionally, if both parties are registered each can see that it has been recorded on the database. Another big advantage is it eliminates the physical requirement to notify the local RVO of the Dept which was usually done by posting on the dispatch document.

Using the app

Using the App is straightforward and allows for permanent or temporary movements. The process involves taking a photo or a scan of the normal dispatch document which should contain all the necessary detail as before. In the case of a permanent transfer or selling stock, you declare yourself as seller on the first page. You must then enter the full serial number of dispatch document, the destination ID, the number of sheep and the date. The next page asks for a photo/scan, it is important to get the full document into the photo or scan and then finally submit. The application confirms when the user has successfully created a movement and displays a summary of the details recorded under the ‘notifications’ area in the app.

Usage

If you do not use the App on regular basis (less than 30 days), it can be a bit more time-consuming to log on with passwords and security codes, but it is a definite help from the administration and compliance side. The App also provides access to census details with the option to make corrections. Dispatch books and new flock register can be ordered using the app. The app can access farm-to-farm movement records of the flock for up to four years. All details of the movement must still be recorded on the flock register as before.

Every sheep farmer using a smartphone should install this AIM services App as more functionalities will be added over time. Remember though when trying to set up the App on your phone that it is necessary to already have an Agfood online account with DAFM. This also applies for setting up other Apps like Agrisnap which is now used for some Dept checks.

Finally, if you do not like the computer or Apps make sure to return your paper Sheep census on time. In practice this means having it posted on or before Thursday 29th January by registered post. If online or using the App you have until Feb14th. When completing online or using the App it is always good practice to check afterwards that the application was fully submitted as it should appear as your 2025 return.

Unfortunately, the Apps do not help with lambing the ewes!