1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Suckler Cow Premium

79,823

77,116

74,107

71,080

66,935

64,349

62,905

61,847

Ewe Premium

45,768

44,583

43,704

41,209

38,647

36,177

35,099

34,821

Special Beef Premium*

212,320

242,341

187,100**

169,095

158,973

173,029

163,702

223,119***

New Slaughter Premium*

—

—

—

98,921

97,139

92,686

89,429

83,814

Deseasonalisation Slaughter Premium*

32,174

33,774

33,115

—

—

—

—

—

Area Aid

135,186

132,935

133,874

130,589

129,050

127,546

128,131

131,501†

* The figures shown refer to the number of applications received rather than applicants as a producer may submit more than one application or slaughter animals on more than one date.

** In 1997 and 1998 a farmer had to submit a different application for special beef premium under each age bracket ten months, 22 months and bulls. A combined application was introduced as and from 1999, hence the large change in the volume of applications received.

*** Extra applications have been received due to final year of scheme.

† As a result of the introduction of the single payment scheme farmers who were not previously required to lodge area aid applications were required to lodge them in 2004.