Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) - Calf Respiratory Disease Investigation
The Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) funding scheme is due to end on the 31 December 2025. This will see an end to the funding currently available for Animal Health and Welfare Interventions. These options set out to encourage Scottish livestock farmers to consider taking actions to improve the health and welfare of their cattle and sheep regardless of the size of their business. Healthier animals are by definition under PSF guidance more efficient – requiring less veterinary intervention and as result have improved welfare. In turn this lowers the animals carbon footprint (per kg of output) and ultimately benefits the farmer’s pocket.
Eligibility
Any farming or crofting business that has an active Business Reference Number (BRN), is Rural Payments and Services (RP&S) online registered (including bank account details), and has a flock and or herd number is eligible to apply for PSF funding.
Investigation and actions must be undertaken by 31 December 2025 and claims must be submitted by 28 February 2026.
You can choose up to two interventions (full details on the list of interventions can be found here.
Each intervention has a standard payment of £250. If you are making a claim for the first time for Animal Health and Welfare Interventions, a further payment of £250 for development is available.
Calf Respiratory Disease Intervention
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) or pneumonia is one of the most significant diseases affecting calves. It is the most common reason for death and poor performance in young cattle, particularly weaned calves. Funding is available through PSF for calf respiratory investigation and virus screening. As winter housing approaches combined with the stresses associated with weaning spring born calves and market movements during autumn calf sales, you should consider investigating any respiratory diseases on farm now while there is still funding available. Investigation and implementing a sustainable prevention and control plan has the potential to reduce the costs associated with pneumonia, most of which are hidden such as reduced liveweight gain.
There are several factors that can cause pneumonia in calves. The only way to know what is causing the disease in your herd or group of groups is to test. This allows for a more informed and robust treatment and vaccination programme.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Most farmers will admit that the odd case of pneumonia is common however pneumonia outbreaks even if it is only a few animals which are affected can be costly. Symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Reduction in feeding
- Dull demeanour
- Dropping of the head
- Increased respiratory rate
- Nasal discharge
- Cough
- Raised temperature
There is still time to benefit from the option of calf respiratory disease under PSF, so it is advisable to talk to your farm vet and discuss the options best suited to your farm.
Investigations claimed under PSF must be carried out by an Expert Adviser (EA), e.g. an expert in ventilation or a farm vet. Claims for payment must be accompanied by proof of investigation plus action, provided on the expert adviser form (available online here) signed by your vet or animal health adviser.
Five Top Tips:
- You must complete your investigations and actions by 31 December 2025.
- You are entitled to claim for up to two interventions.
- No application process – just complete the online claim form.
- Ensure that supporting documentation is signed off by an expert advisor e.g. vet.
- Submit your claim by 28 February 2026.
Lynwen Emslie, Consultant, Lynwen.Emslie@sac.co.uk
Unearthed is the exclusive SAC Consulting members' monthly newsletter. Unearthed offers insights and tips from our experts on what we think is in store for farming and crofting in the coming months in order to protect and enhance your business.
Posted by Unearthed News on 14/10/2025
