This article appeared in the Finn Valley Voice and the Tirconaill Tribune on the 04th of December 2012 AEOS/REPS 4 PAYMENTS/SINGLE FARM PAYMENT ON TRACK.   The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, announced today "that 2012 agri-environment payments will commence issuing this week".  I am very pleased to say that these payments will be issuing ahead of  schedule,  particularly given their importance to farmers and the wider rural community" the Minister said. Payments will issue to AEOS 1 participants, followed by REPS 4 payments the following week and finally AEOS 2 payments shortly thereafter. Minister Coveney said that he was particularly pleased that payments under these schemes would commence in November this year and in greater numbers than in previous years. He added that he expected that over €150 million more would issue to participants of these schemes by the end of the year. He said that this would bring the total expenditure under REPS and AEOS in 2012 to €243 million. AES staff around the country have worked relentlessly these past weeks getting all the necessary cross checks done to make sure all the applications would be clear for payment when they begin. This money couldn’t come at a better time than in the next few weeks with land rental bills and end of year bills all due. This will take th pressure of all farmers across the country. Make sure that if you received any forms or letters in relation to any of the above schemes that they were replied to as this may hold up payments.   Wills & Succession Planning Legal, taxation and financial guidance in transferring your assets and securing your peace of mind Wednesday 5^th December 8.00 pm An tSean Bheairic, Falcarragh FREE OF CHARGE All Welcome Kieran Falvey Barrister Brendan Kelly Solicitor & Notary Public Mark McConnell B.Agr.Sc. Agricultural Consultant Pat Keating Chartered Accountant & Tax Specialist   Nitrates 2012   The department of agriculture has sent around a text message to all farmers that have signed up to the service notifying them of the deadline that is looming for the submission of export slurry forms before the 31^st of December 2012. These forms have to be sent to Johnstown castle estate in Wexford. Any farmer that feels that he or she will be near their limits should contact their agricultural consultant to seek advice.   AEOS 3   The deadline for the scheme is this Friday the 7^th of December. The forms have to be sent to Johnstown Castle Estate in Wexford.   Cross compliance   Cross compliance inspections are on going at the moment. Make sure that you have the necessary checks completed to reduce the risk of problems.   Sucker Welfare Scheme 2012   Make sure that all the necessary data in relation to calves weaning, dis-budding, meal feeding etc have been submitted. The department is trying to get these payments out to farmers and if there is anything missing then this will hold up payment.   Mark Mc Connell Consultancy ltd and Auctioneers ltd, The Glebe, Stranorlar, Lifford, Co. Donegal  T/F 074 91 30772 www.agriculturalconsultant.net