Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups open for applications
Date published:
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has launched a new Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Group programme.
The programme is part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme and aims to support farm businesses in improving herd fertility, calving performance, and overall livestock efficiency.
Paul McHenry, CAFRE Director said: “Fertility in the suckler herd is a significant factor in improving environmental sustainability and enhancing productivity. Improving fertility performance can directly increase the number of calving events that qualify for support under the Suckler Cow Scheme.
“I would encourage all suckler farmers to apply to join a Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Group and come together with their peers to share knowledge and improve key aspects of their business in a focused and practical way.”
Themed Groups are designed to provide focused, peer-to-peer learning on high-priority topics affecting farm businesses and are part of CAFRE’s Farming for Sustainability -Knowledge Transfer programme.
Each group runs for up to two years and brings together farmers with a shared interest in a particular challenge, supported by a CAFRE appointed facilitator.
Participation in a Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Group can help increase the number of calving events achieving the annual Suckler Cow Scheme targets.
To make an application to the Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups visit the CAFRE website at: or for more information contact your local CAFRE adviser or visit www.cafre.ac.uk.
Applications must be received by Friday 15 August at 4pm.
Notes to editors:
- Minister Muir announced the opening of the Suckler Cow Scheme in March. More details at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-muir-announces-opening-suckler-cow-scheme-1-april-2025.
- The Suckler Cow Scheme forms part of the Beef Sustainability Package funded through the Sustainable Agriculture Programme.
- The Suckler Cow Scheme incentivises farm businesses to reduce the age at first calving of suckler heifers and/or calving interval of suckler cows. Full details of the Suckler Cow Scheme are available to view on the DAERA website at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/beef-sustainability-package.
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