CAFRE and Dairy UK launch farm productivity initiative

A joint initiative between Dairy UK and the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise, (CAFRE) has been unveiled to help dairy farmers improve their profitability.

CAFRE Director Martin McKendry and Director Dairy UK Dr Mike Johnston MBE welcome today’s announcement of the new farm productivity initiative.

Speaking at today’s launch at the Winter Fair, CAFRE Director Martin McKendry said: “We have been aware for some time that many dairy farmers not in a Business Development Group would like to have the opportunity for technical information and training. This initiative allows CAFRE, in conjunction with dairy companies, to provide additional support to dairy farmers. 

“CAFRE will work with the dairy companies to develop a programme of meetings and decision support tools for their farmers.  We are all very aware the challenges on farm at present due to the very poor weather of 2017 with fodder quantity and quality.

“Through this programme of work CAFRE can help provide options for farmers to consider on their own farm and plan milk production for the year ahead.”

Also speaking at today’s launch Director Dairy UK Dr Mike Johnston MBE added: “The long-term future of the NI dairy sector depends on a sustainable supply of high quality milk. This can only be delivered by profitable dairy farms. 

“Dairy UK recognises the extremely good work of CAFRE through Business Development Groups, but we are aware that a number of farmers for various reasons are not involved with the scheme and haven’t access to the technical and business information provided by CAFRE.”

“The aim of this joint initiative between the dairy companies and CAFRE is to help farmers improve their profitability and is aimed at farmers outside Business Development Groups.  This is an excellent example of partnership and collaboration to help individual farmers improve dairy herd margins and be better able to withstand price volatility.”

More information on the initiative will be available in the New Year, with the intention of having farmers recruited by March 2018.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) offers a range of Further and Higher Education courses at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).  For more information please go to the CAFRE website.
2. Dairy UK is the trade association for the British dairy supply chain. It brings together farmers, dairy co-operatives and manufacturers, bottle milk buyers and milkmen throughout the United Kingdom.
3. Follow us on Twitter @daera_ni and Facebook @daerani.gov.uk
4. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

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