What is the Small Grants – Efficiency scheme?

The Welsh Government’s Small Grants – Efficiency scheme is designed to help farmers improve agricultural productivity and sustainability through targeted investment. It provides support for selected items that can enhance animal handling, monitoring, and overall farm efficiency.

For farmers looking to upgrade equipment or improve infrastructure, the scheme presents a valuable opportunity to invest in practical tools that can support better day-to-day management.

Support for cattle farming

For cattle farmers, the scheme includes support for a fixed handling system tailored to the site’s requirements.

Example specification

• A safe holding area and raceway handling facility attached to a cattle crush
• Two metal holding pens for a minimum of 25 cattle
• A circular forcing pen with a minimum 3m radius
• A straight or curved race between 3 and 5 metres with a closure gate
• Fully galvanised or powder paint-coated metal

Reference Cost: £12,401
Grant Value: £4,960
Item Score: 420

Support for sheep farming

Sheep farmers can also apply for support towards mobile handling systems suitable for at least 100 sheep.

Example specification

• A minimum of 50ft of gates or hurdles for a gathering pen, drafting race, and side pens
• A guillotine gate and the ability to fit a footbath
• An integrated road-legal trailer
• Fully galvanised or powder paint-coated metal

Reference Cost: £6,791
Grant Value: £2,716
Item Score: 415

Technology enhancements

The scheme also supports technology investments such as electronic weigh scales.

Electronic weigh scales

• A digital weighing device capable of recording individual animals
• Ability to track liveweight gain
• Compatibility with EID (Electronic Identification)

Reference Cost: £2,219
Grant Value: £888
Item Score: 372.5

What do item scores mean?

Item scores reflect the relative priority of each eligible investment within the scheme. In general, the higher the score, the more closely the item aligns with scheme priorities such as improving efficiency, sustainability, or animal welfare.

• High item score: stronger alignment with scheme priorities and a better chance of being prioritised
• Lower item score: may still be eligible, but may not rank as highly as higher-scoring items

What affects your chances of receiving a grant?

While choosing a high-scoring item can improve your chances, several other factors also influence the likelihood of funding.

• Funding availability: grants are limited and awarded during the application window
• Completeness of application: applications must be thorough and accurate
• Alignment with priorities: projects that clearly support efficiency, sustainability, and animal welfare are more competitive

To strengthen your application, choose appropriate items, make sure all information is complete, and clearly show how the project supports the scheme’s objectives.

Application requirements

To apply for the Small Grants – Efficiency scheme, farmers must meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

• Business registration: your farming business must be registered with the appropriate agricultural bodies
• Eligible items: only specified investment items will qualify
• Co-funding: farmers are generally expected to cover part of the cost themselves
• Application form: forms must be completed accurately and submitted within the application window

Late applications will not usually be considered, so early preparation is important.

Why preparation matters

This funding offers a strong opportunity for farmers to invest in their business and improve operational efficiency. Preparing applications early, reviewing eligibility, and selecting the right investment items can help improve your chances of success.

Farmers should review the scheme guidance carefully and make sure they understand the criteria before submitting an application.

Contact information

For enquiries or support with the application process, farmers can contact the Welsh Government.

• Phone: 0300 062 5004
• Email: agriculture@gov.wales
• Website: Welsh Government Small Grants