County Down farmer explains the benefits of CAFRE discussion groups

Date published: 23 July 2025

Ian farms outside Carrowdore, in the Ards peninsula, in partnership with his father and uncle, operating three enterprises. Enterprises include: a suckler cow herd consisting of 85 cows bred to the Charolais via artificial insemination and a sweeper bull, with all progeny finished off farm with males finished as bull beef.  There is also a store beef enterprise of 25 head, where stock is purchased every year and finished off farm and finally a flock of 50 ewes consisting of pedigree Charollais ewes. 

Ian and his family have been involved within CAFRE led group activities and discussion groups over the years. The main reason for this is they see the value in 1-2-1 independent advice from their CAFRE Adviser and enjoy peer-to-peer learning opportunities through discussions with other like-minded farmers.

Dominic commented: “One of my main areas of discussion with Ian was around suckler cow fertility and breeding management. Profitability within the suckler herd starts long before the cow conceives. Body condition score (BCS), a bespoke animal health plan, a successful genetic mating programme in addition to a well-managed grazing system are all areas that are up for discussion.”

Throughout the years Ian collected many forms of on-farm data and worked closely with his CAFRE Adviser analysing it to promote positive changes.  Data collected included financial and physical benchmarking and fertility reports. The fertility reports help Ian and his CAFRE Adviser review key herd performance indicators, including calving index, individual cow intervals, herd calving spread, and return rates for first-calf heifers.  This ultimately leads to minimising days not in calf for the cows and maximising the cow’s days in milk where the calf can thrive successfully, in turn driving sustainability, productivity and profitability. 

Commenting on his time attending CAFRE discussion groups, Ian said, “I am passionate about genetics and grassland farming. While attending the business group meetings organised by CAFRE, I expanded my knowledge in many areas including suckler cow fertility and grassland/nutrient management.  This has allowed me to successfully manage my suckler herd and overall farm profitability rates over the past number of years.  I have adopted several technologies on the farm, many of which were a result of visiting other farms of members within the groups.”

Ian now operates a rotational paddock grazing system using both temporary and permanent fencing with grass growth visually monitored on a weekly basis.  The aim of this is to increase grass growth and utilisation on the farm. “In turn this allows me to manage the stock, both breeding cows and progeny, with more precision allowing them the best chance to access high quality grass to maintain/increase cow BSC where required, maximise daily liveweight gain (DLWG) and allow the breeding herd the best chance for conception during the breeding season,” added Ian.

“Other additional benefits of CAFRE peer-to-peer learning throughout the years is that you increase your confidence in making management decisions to enhance both sustainability and productivity.  This is visible via enhanced management of BCS and DLWG within the herd, bespoke synchronisation programmes for cows and heifers come breeding season, addressing soil nutrient management status and sward management on farm,” remarked Ian.

“Moving forward my plan is to continue working with my CAFRE Adviser to enhance my overall farm performance.  I always aim to improve year on year, with particular focus on suckler cow fertility, soil structure and health, animal performance via genetics along with the production and utilisation of high-quality forage,” concluded Ian.

“If you are running a suckler enterprise there are many benefits to working with your CAFRE Adviser. These range from tailored independent advice on management strategies to guidance on new technologies and support with business planning,” added Dominic.

CAFRE is currently recruiting for the new programme of Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups.  Apply now to improve the sustainability and performance of your business and help increase the number of calving events achieved on farm, eligible for the annual Suckler Cow Scheme targets.

To make an application to the Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups, visit the CAFRE website or for more information contact your local CAFRE Adviser.