Grants & Funding for Cattle Handling Equipment (Updated for 2026)
Grants & Funding for Cattle Handling Equipment – Investing in high‑quality cattle handling equipment is a crucial decision for a livestock farmer. Whether you’re upgrading your cattle crush, redesigning your race, or installing a new livestock handling system, the right equipment improves safety, efficiency, and animal welfare. But with rising costs across the sector, many UK farmers are looking for support through grants and funding for cattle handling equipment.
The good news is that several UK and devolved‑nation programmes continue to support investment in cattle handling systems, including manual crushes, pneumatic crushes, weighing equipment, and cattle yard infrastructure. This guide provides an updated overview of the main funding options available in 2026 – and how to maximise your chances of securing support.
1. England: Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026
The FETF Grant remains the primary source of grant support for cattle handling equipment in England. The scheme typically opens once or twice a year and offers funding for a wide range of items that improve productivity, animal welfare, and environmental outcomes.
Eligible cattle handling equipment often includes:
- Cattle crushes (manual and hydraulic/pneumatic)
- Head bails and yokes
- Weighing systems and load bars
- Handling races and gates
- Foot‑trimming crushes
- Anti‑backing devices
- EID readers and indicators
Typical grant rate:
40% of the eligible item cost, though some welfare‑focused items may receive higher support.
How to maximise your chances:
- Choose equipment that clearly improves welfare or reduces labour
- Ensure your chosen items match the FETF specification exactly
- Submit quotes early and keep documentation organised
- Prioritise items that integrate into a wider system upgrade
FETF is competitive, so clarity and compliance are essential.
More info available:
FETF 2026 for Cattle Handling Systems
FETF 2026 for Sheep Handling Systems
2. Wales: Small Grants – Efficiency & Small Grants – Yard Coverings (2026)
Wales continues to offer strong support for livestock infrastructure through its Small Grants programmes.
Welsh Small Grants – Efficiency
The Welsh Small Grants scheme supports equipment that improves labour efficiency, animal welfare, and business resilience.
Eligible items often include:
- Cattle crushes
- Cattle Handling systems
- Weighing equipment
- EID technology
Small Grants – Yard Coverings
This scheme supports improvements to livestock handling and feeding areas, including:
- Covered handling yards
- Improved flooring
- Drainage upgrades
These upgrades can significantly improve cattle flow and reduce disease risk.
3. Scotland: Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) & Animal Health and Welfare Scheme
Scotland’s PSF programme continues to support investment in technology and infrastructure that improves welfare and reduces emissions.
Eligible equipment may include:
- Weighing systems
- EID equipment
- Handling system upgrades
- Welfare‑focused crushes
The Animal Health and Welfare Scheme also supports improvements that reduce stress and injury during handling, making it highly relevant for crush and race upgrades.
4. Northern Ireland: Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS)
FBIS remains the main route for capital investment support in Northern Ireland.
Eligible items typically include:
- Cattle crushes
- Handling systems
- Weighing and EID equipment
- Safety improvements
FBIS is competitive and often oversubscribed, so strong justification is essential.
5. What Types of Equipment Are Most Likely to Receive Funding?
Across all UK schemes, certain categories of cattle handling equipment consistently score highly because they improve safety, welfare, and efficiency.
1. Pneumatic or hydraulic crushes
These reduce labour, improve safety, and support welfare‑focused handling.
2. Heavy‑duty manual crushes
Still widely supported, especially when they improve welfare or reduce risk.
3. Weighing and EID systems
These support productivity, traceability, and herd health planning.
4. Handling races and gates
Especially those with solid sides, anti‑backing systems, and curved layouts.
5. Foot‑trimming crushes
These directly support welfare and mobility management.
6. How to Strengthen Your Grant Application
Show clear welfare benefits
Schemes prioritise equipment that reduces stress, improves flow, or prevents injury.
Demonstrate labour savings
Handling systems that allow one‑person operation score highly.
Link equipment to long‑term business resilience
Explain how the investment supports herd health, efficiency, and future compliance.
Choose equipment that meets or exceeds specification
Grant schemes are strict – if your chosen crush or system doesn’t match the spec exactly, it won’t be funded. Make sure the spec is right to ensure success in your application for Grants & Funding for Cattle Handling Equipment.
Provide accurate, timely quotes
Late or incomplete documentation is a common reason for rejection.
7. Why Investing in Quality Equipment Pays Off – Even Without a Grant
While grants help, the long‑term value of high‑quality cattle handling systems goes far beyond the initial cost.
Benefits include:
- Faster, safer handling
- Reduced labour requirements
- Lower risk of injury
- Better cattle flow
- Improved welfare and performance
- Longer equipment lifespan
Whether you choose manual crushes or pneumatic crushes, the right investment pays for itself over time.
Final Thoughts on Grants & Funding for Cattle Handling Equipment
2026 continues to offer strong funding opportunities for UK farmers upgrading their cattle handling equipment. Whether you’re improving welfare, reducing labour, or modernising your system, grants can significantly reduce the cost of investment.
