Good animal welfare is good for business, and now, there’s funding to support it

Animal welfare is more than an ethical responsibility – it’s also fundamental in supporting farm productivity, product quality, and long-term profitability. Healthier animals flourish in the right environment, leading to better performance, and now, government support is available to help farmers invest in welfare-driven technology.

The Animal Health and Welfare (AHW) Grant offers funding to support investments that can help the health and wellbeing of livestock. Among the 100+ eligible items, our High-Volume Low-Speed (HVLS) fans are recognised for their role in creating better environments for pigs, poultry, cattle, and sheep – helping reduce heat stress and improve air circulation.

Applications for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) are open, a grant to fund machinery, equipment, and technology items. FETF covers three themes: productivity, slurry management, and AHW. The grant is open for 6 weeks, from the 29th of May till the 10th of July at 12pm. You are eligible to apply if you are a farmer, horticulturalist, forestry owner, or contractor servicing the former positions. You may also apply regardless of whether you have received an FETF grant in the past.

To be eligible, you must:

Be based and registered in England.

Be registered on the Rural Payments service.

Identify your Single Business Identifier (SBI).

Identify your Company Registration Number (CRN).

The application for an AHW grant is scored based upon contribution to the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway Priorities. The grant is competitive, therefore highest scoring applications are prioritised if the grant is oversubscribed. You can increase your application score by 20% if you supply evidence that you have discussed your application with a vet to optimise and tailor your request. The government recommends the funded vet visit, the Animal Health and Welfare Review, but a phone call or routine visit is acceptable.

Under the AHW theme, grants of between £1000 – £25,000 are available to commercial farmers with pigs, sheep, dairy cows, beef cattle, layer chickens, and broilers. The government collaborated closely with farmers, vets, academics, and industry groups to formulate the item list, including more than 100 eligible items such as our high-volume low-speed (HVLS) fans.

HVLS fans play a vital role in improving animal welfare, providing effective cooling and temperature control year-round. A stable temperature helps animals regulate body heat, reduces stress, and supports better overall wellbeing, all contributing to higher productivity. However, in many farm buildings, temperature control can be challenging. Hot air naturally rises above cooler air, creating uneven conditions where animals at ground level may be exposed to cold in winter and excessive heat in summer.

As a solution, HVLS fans work by gently mixing the air to create a more stable and comfortable environment for animals. At higher speeds, they help cool the space during warmer seasons, whilst lower speeds distribute warmth during colder months. By reducing thermal stratification, HVLS fans support consistent animal-friendly temperatures.

They also help to:

Minimise heat stress and cold exposure, supporting animal health year-round.

Create a more natural and comfortable environment, reducing behavioural stress.

Maintain better air quality through steady airflow, helping respiratory well-being.

Prevent the development of hot or cold zones that can lead to discomfort or illness.

Support overall animal welfare by contributing to stable, enriched living conditions.

Talk to Our Team Today!

If you’re thinking of applying for the Animal Health and Welfare Grant, we can help you find the right cooling solution to support your livestock’s welfare and improve your farm’s productivity.