Last chance: What FETF grants are available for livestock handling?
8th July 2025
Rappa Fencing Ltd has shared some guidance on applying for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), and what products are included. This is in light of the fast-approaching deadline of 10th July for applications in England.
Rappa offers advice on making the most of the FETF grants, and provides a list of its eligible products.
What to consider
Eligible items: The grant supports a predefined list of items – these typically include livestock handling equipment, precision farming tools, robotic systems, slurry management equipment, and low-emission spreading equipment.
Some items must meet certain standards so ensure the model you choose qualifies. For example, if your mobile yard is not certified road legal, your grant funding will be refused.
Funding limits: The grant usually has a minimum value and a maximum cap per application or applicant and the fund typically covers a percentage of the item cost.
Applicant eligibility: Farmers, horticulturalists and contractors in England are eligible to apply – there are specific rules for each. You may need a rural business with a farm holding number or SBI (Single Business Identifier) to apply.
Application process: Applications are made through the DEFRA online portal. Be aware of deadlines – the current FETF round application deadline is 10th July 2025. Applications are scored on value for money, environmental benefit, and innovation.
Environmental objectives: Grants often prioritise equipment that reduces environmental impact (e.g. improves soil health, reduces ammonia emissions, or increases resource efficiency).
Quotes and supporting information: Some schemes don’t need quotes at application but may require them at payment stage. You should keep detailed records, including invoices, photographs and serial numbers.
Aftercare and conditions: You must use the equipment on your farm/business for a minimum period (e.g. five years). Be prepared for DEFRA or RPA inspections to ensure compliance.
Eligible products
The following Rappa products are listed as eligible under the FETF grant scheme.
FETF69: Mobile Sheep Handling Systems – Claim £4,880: Rappa Series 10 Standard, Super or Series 12 Tiltbed mobile yards are easy to set up with a modular design to expand with your flock. Rappa’s yards are built to suit your individual requirements, personally delivered and fully road legal.
FETF71: Sheep Handler – Claim £1,690: The Rappa RaceGrip is designed to work alongside Rappa’s mobile yard and allows for easy dagging, vaccinating, tagging and drenching. The double-grip mechanism requires no manual adjustment; the scissor-action panels automatically adapt to the animal’s size, including lambs.
FETF57: Electronic WeighCrate for Sheep – Claim £1,270: For simple weighing consider Rappa’s RaceWeigh. Working with a Rappa handing system, the RaceWeigh offers three-way drafting for fast stock sorting. The flared and railed gates, anti-jump bar and quiet operation encourage steady sheep flow.
Or for a stand-alone option, the WeighCrate may be right for you, Rappa says. It easily fits into any Rappa mobile yard or works within a fixed setting. The WeighCrate offers three-way drafting and two built in load bars for super accurate weighing.
FETF70: Fixed Sheep Handling System – Claim £2,525: Rappa’s new Fixed Yard Package is a robust system that offers simple solo operation and three-way drafting. The package includes everything you need for a static handling system, including: a Rappa StaticBase, 8ft panels, 7ft aluminium hurdles and three types of gate.
FETF82SH: EID Handheld Device – Claim £318: Essential technology for monitoring and recording livestock is also available. Rappa’s high-quality Stick Reader makes capturing a range of data quick and easy – helping you to make crucial decisions about your livestock’s health.
FETF80SH: Weigh Bars for livestock less than 300kg – Claim £550: Rappa’s available Load Bars work with Rappa weighing systems to provide the most accurate recordings. All Rappa models and specifications match what is approved in the grant guidance.
Application requirements
Rappa says it will provide quotes and invoices with clear descriptions. The company’s documentation includes: Full product details, proof of road legality, supplier information and clear pricing breakdown.
Note application opening and closing dates and consider lead times for delivery – Rappa says it will fulfil all orders within a grant-specified window – don’t wait to get in touch.
In the application, Rappa advises emphasising how its equipment improves animal health and welfare, enhances grazing efficiency and reduces labour or input costs. You may need to justify the impact in your application. Rappa says it can help you with this – all Rappa eligible products meet these criteria.
After grant approval, keep all receipts, records and take photographs – you’ll need these for your grant claim submission. Make sure to pay for and install the equipment within the claim deadline.
Rappa offers a free grant consultation service for its products to ensure you have a worry-free application. If you have any questions, get in touch with the UK-based team directly and they will help you with your application.
Last chance: Applications in England close at midday on Thursday 10th July.
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