Portaferry suckler farm walk

On Thursday 1st December, from 11am fellow farmers can view the results of AFBI research supported by AgriSearch.

Artie runs approximately 170 spring block calving cows on 290 acres with all progeny finished.

For the past two years Artie has synchronised all cows and heifers as part of an AFBI study to evaluate low labour synchronisation protocols, relative to traditional synchronisation protocols.

As a result of adopting these new practices Artie only needs two sweeper bulls on the farm.

Artie makes maximum use of AI to improve the genetic merit of his herd.

This allows him to use proven sires with a high reliability for specific EBVs such as calving ease and growth rates.

The study is jointly funded by DAERA Research Challenge Fund and AgriSearch, with in-kind contributions from Zoetis, Genus ABS and AI Services. Results from this study will be a key highlight at two forthcoming farm walks to be hosted by:

Patrick and Ciaran Kearney, 350 Lisnaragh Road, Plumbridge, BT79 8AP, on Wednesday 30th November.

Artie Birt, 30 Deerpark Road, Portaferry, BT22 1PN on Thursday 1st December.

Farm walks will commence at regular intervals starting at 11.00am with the last group beginning at 12.30pm. Farm walks will last approximately two hours. Catering facilities will be available.

The farm walks can be used as a “qualifier meeting” for those involved in Business Development Groups (BDGs). Farmers who wish to use the event as a BDG qualifier event will need to register on-line in advance. For further details visit www.agrisearch.org.

For biosecurity reasons please wear clean clothing and footwear not normally worn on your own farm.