Lancashire farm equipment supplier welcomes changes to dairy farm grant funding

A leading Lancashire dairy farm equipment supplier has welcomed the government’s decision to add cow mattresses to its farming grant scheme.

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) for 2026 offers a new opportunity for dairy farmers to claim financial support to purchase single- or multi-layer cubicle beds for their cows.

Roger Craig, director of Lancashire-based Shield Agriculture, said: “Cow health and comfort starts with good lying areas, so grant funding for mattresses is long overdue.

“Dairy cows need to lie down for around 13 hours a day to stay healthy and productive, and high-quality, comfortable mattresses are essential to meet that daily target.

“We’re very pleased that the Rural Payments Agency has listened to farmers and added this essential equipment to this year’s FETF.”

Farmers can apply for funding of £56 per linear metre for single-layer cubicle beds, or £66 per linear metre for multi-layer beds through this year’s FETF scheme.

Roger said: “There’s clear evidence that installing cow mattresses brings a range of benefits to dairy farmers. 

“Studies have shown that when cows have access to cubicle beds, injuries are reduced by 74 per cent, and they yield around 1.5kg more milk per day.

“With the recent fall in milk prices putting dairy farmers under additional financial pressure, this change to the grant scheme is a welcome boost supporting the health and comfort of dairy herds.”

Shield Agriculture, based at Claughton-on-Brock near Garstang, works nationwide supplying and installing cattle housing equipment for dairy and beef farmers. 

The company is the UK importer of Kraiburg cow mats and mattresses, as well as the Kraiburg Belmondo range of horse stall mats.

Applications for the 2026 FETF opened on March 17 and close at noon on April 28.