FETF 2026 for Cattle Handling System Upgrades

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026

FETF 2026 for Cattle Handling System Upgrades  – The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026 is now open – and it’s the final round in its current form. With £50 million available across Productivity, Animal Health & Welfare, and Slurry themes, this is the last chance for English livestock farmers to secure grant support for upgrading their cattle handling systems, cattle crushes, weighing equipment, and yard infrastructure.

If you’ve been putting off replacing an old crush, improving cattle flow, or upgrading your weighing and EID setup, 2026 is the year to act. This guide breaks down the best FETF opportunities for cattle and sheep farmers, which Farming Solutions products align with the scheme, and how to maximise your chances of a successful application.

 

Why FETF 2026 Matters for Livestock Farmers

Livestock handling equipment is one of the most important investments on any livestock farm – but also one of the easiest to delay. FETF 2026 makes upgrading cattle handling systems far more affordable by offering fixed‑value grants for equipment that improves:

• Animal welfare
• Handler safety
• Labour efficiency
• Productivity
• Data accuracy
• TB‑testing environments

With grants typically covering 40–50% of the item’s cost, farmers can make long‑term improvements at a significantly reduced price.

And because this is the final FETF round in its current format, future schemes may not support the same items – or may be more restrictive.

 

The Best Opportunities FETF 2026 for Cattle Handling System Upgrades

Below are the highest‑value, highest‑impact upgrades farmers can make using FETF 2026 funding – all of which align with Farming Solutions equipment.

 

1. Pneumatic Cattle Crushes (Animal Health & Welfare)

Best for: Dairy herds, high‑throughput beef units, TB‑testing environments, farms with limited labour.

Pneumatic crushes consistently score highly in FETF because they:

• Improve welfare through quieter, smoother operation
• Reduce stress for cattle and handlers
• Increase safety during TB testing and vet work
• Reduce labour requirements
• Support faster, more efficient handling

If your current crush is noisy, stiff, or outdated, a pneumatic upgrade is one of the smartest uses of FETF funding.

Farming Solutions recommendation: A pneumatic crush paired with solid‑sided race panels and an anti‑backing gate creates a high‑scoring Animal Health & Welfare application.

 

2. Heavy‑Duty Manual Crushes (Animal Health & Welfare)

Best for: Beef suckler herds, mixed farms, mobile handling setups.

Manual crushes remain one of the most popular FETF items because they offer:

• Strong welfare improvements
• Safer restraint
• Better access for vet work
• Long‑term durability
• Lower upfront cost

If your current crush is more than 10-15 years old, lacks anti‑backing, or has poor side access, FETF 2026 is the ideal time to replace it.

Farming Solutions recommendation: Pair a manual crush with a weigh system for a stronger application.

 

3. Weighing Systems & EID Equipment (Productivity)

Best for: Any farm looking to improve performance monitoring, compliance, and labour efficiency.

FETF strongly supports weighing and EID technology because it:

• Improves growth monitoring
• Supports medicine accuracy
• Reduces handling time
• Enables data‑driven decisions
• Integrates with modern herd‑management software

Farming Solutions recommendation: Load bars + digital indicator + EID reader = a high‑value Productivity application.

 

4. Solid‑Sided Race Panels (Animal Health & Welfare)

Best for: Improving cattle flow, reducing stress, and supporting safer TB testing.

Solid‑sided races are one of the most underrated FETF opportunities. They:

• Reduce distractions
• Improve forward movement
• Lower stress levels
• Reduce handler intervention
• Support safer, calmer TB testing

Farming Solutions recommendation: Combine solid‑sided panels with a new crush for a strong welfare‑focused application.

 

5. Anti‑Backing Gates & Handling Race Components (Animal Health & Welfare)

Best for: Farms wanting to improve an existing system without replacing everything.

Anti‑backing gates and race components:

• Improve cattle flow
• Reduce stress
• Increase safety
• Reduce labour
• Support low‑stress handling

These are excellent lower‑budget FETF items that still deliver big welfare gains.

 

6. Drafting Gates (Productivity)

Best for: Farms wanting to speed up sorting and reduce labour.

Drafting gates are a strong Productivity item because they:

• Reduce handling time
• Improve labour efficiency
• Support weighing and EID workflows
• Reduce stress by minimising repeated handling

Farming Solutions recommendation: Drafting gate + weigh system = a high‑scoring Productivity application.

Example FETF 2026 for Cattle Handling System Upgrades Applications (Realistic Farm Scenarios)

Example 1: Beef Suckler Herd (Animal Health & Welfare)

Goal: Replace old crush + improve safety. Application includes:

• Heavy‑duty manual crush
• Anti‑backing gate
• Solid‑sided race panel

Why it scores well: Clear welfare improvement, safer handling, better restraint.

 

Example 2: Dairy Herd (Productivity + Animal Health & Welfare)

Goal: Improve TB testing flow + add weighing. Application includes:

• Pneumatic crush
• Weigh system
• EID reader
• Drafting gate

Why it scores well: Strong welfare benefits + labour savings + data accuracy.

 

Example 3: Mixed Farm (Productivity)

Goal: Improve weighing and sorting. Application includes:

• Load bars
• Digital indicator
• EID reader
• Drafting gate

Why it scores well: Clear productivity gains and improved herd management.

 

How to Maximise Your FETF 2026 Application Score

FETF is competitive. The highest‑scoring applications are funded first.

Here’s how to strengthen your application:

✔ Choose equipment that clearly improves welfare

Crushes, solid‑sided races, anti‑backing gates.

✔ Show labour savings

Drafting gates, pneumatic crushes, weighing systems.

✔ Demonstrate long‑term value

Durable, high‑quality equipment scores better.

✔ Make sure your chosen item matches the DEFRA spec

Farming Solutions will check this for you.

✔ Apply early

The pot is limited — don’t wait until the final week.

 

How Farming Solutions Helps You Apply

We make the process simple:

✔ Free FETF specification check

We confirm your chosen equipment meets the DEFRA requirements.

✔ Grant‑ready quotes

Formatted for FETF applications.

✔ Yard layout advice

Send us a photo or sketch – we’ll recommend eligible upgrades.

✔ Fast support during the application window

We know the deadlines are tight.

 

Final Thoughts on FETF 2026 for Cattle Handling System Upgrades 

FETF 2026 for Cattle Handling System Upgrades  – FETF 2026 is the last chance to secure grant support for upgrading your cattle handling system under the current scheme. Whether you need a new crush, better cattle flow, improved weighing, or a full system upgrade, this is the moment to act.

Explore eligible equipment and get a grant‑ready quote here: FETF Grant Approved