Just when it seemed cows would be forced to meet a 410-day calving interval to qualify for beef calf scheme payments, a last-ditch attempt to scrap the extra conditions has been launched.

If enough opposition party votes are cobbled together to halt the legislative statutory instrument, the old, simpler rules for the scheme could remain in place until 2025. This means the much-debated calving interval requirement could be thrown out, at least in the short term.

The move reflects a combination of opposition politicians flexing their muscles and frustration from suckler farmers and stakeholders who feel excluded from consultations, all the while beef numbers continue to tumble. The additional rules imposed on the beef sector were promoted with the argument that if suckler farmers did not embrace changes aimed at cutting carbon, the entire coupled support scheme could be out the window.

NFU Scotland supports the changes to the scheme on this basis, repeatedly advising members that failing to align with the government’s proposals would put the entire budget in jeopardy. Losing these schemes would strip millions of pounds from the livestock sector—a scenario all too familiar to many. Redirecting funds from the rural budget has become something of a hallmark for the Scottish government, but dismantling an established scheme would be its boldest move yet.

Many beef farmers, along with the SBA, NBA, and IAAS, feel the changes have been accepted too readily. Smaller farmers are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to fall afoul of the new calving interval requirement.

Additionally, the government has yet to assure the industry that claimants who fail to meet the rules through no fault of their own will not be penalised. For instance, farmers who discover their bull has not worked could be hit for years, compounding their difficulties.

There is a clear tension within the Scottish Government. Parts of the administration agree with the influential Climate Change Committee that red meat consumption needs to decrease to hit environmental targets. However, farming minister Jim Fairlie continues to champion the livestock sector, emphasising its importance and advocating for robust production numbers. Reconciling these opposing positions will require political compromise and, likely, a few fudged agreements.

If the new calf scheme rules fail to pass through parliament, the Scottish Government will have until the end of the year to present revised rules to MSPs. This tight timeframe will leave civil servants racing to finalise legislation, or two years of policy development will fail to take effect on January 1, 2025.

The debacle is a timely reminder of the impact of the Greens withdrawing their support for the SNP government. Even when policy plans seem complete and ready for approval, at least two political parties must agree in parliament for the legislation to proceed.

This is an opportunity to stop flawed plans becoming law, but it could also lead to a legislative gridlock.

One thing is certain, The Scottish Farmer will keep our readers fully informed of all the political twists and turns—it is the season for pantomime, after all!