Could you benefit from CAFRE’s Business Group membership?

Date published: 8 April 2025

Thomas along with his brother William and their parents Gordon and Wilma, farm in the shadow of the scenic Mourne Mountains near Dundrum, Co Down. Operating a diverse farming business, they grow cereals and potatoes alongside running sheep, suckler and finishing beef enterprises.

Thomas was a member of a potato and cereal Business Development Group (BDG) which Leigh facilitated. Following his visit to the farm Mr McClean remarked: “The excellent early spring weather has given the brothers a chance to bale Westerwolds and Italian ryegrass mix silage. Sown as a cover crop after winter barley last summer, the short-term grass ley provides a great break crop. At our meetings we often chatted about the options of sowing either winter wheat later in the year or potatoes in the spring.

Discussions were often tied, with both sides providing a useful source of fodder for insights for their livestock enterprises.”

“I would encourage farmers to avail of the opportunity to join the new CAFRE Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs)” commented Mr McClean. “They will offer the opportunity to access knowledge and best practices, learning from others’ experiences. At the meetings we will discuss new farming techniques, business models and technology and innovations in the sector.”

On reflecting on his time attending the Business Groups, Thomas stated: “The knowledge and networks I gained from our group, encouraged me to try new ideas back at home. It’s always good to hear the viewpoints of others and at our meetings I picked up lots of advice.”

CAFRE is currently recruiting for the new programme of Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs). If you are an arable farmer develop your knowledge, cooperation and innovation through a BSG.

Apply now to improve the sustainability and performance of your businesses. Applications close at noon on Friday, 2 May 2025.

For more information visit the CAFRE website.