CAFRE and Teagasc to spotlight hill suckler innovation at Uplands Open Day

Breeding and management: A crossbred cow and calf at the CAFRE Hill Farm.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is set to highlight its pioneering work with hill sucklers at the upcoming Uplands Open Day, hosted in partnership with Teagasc.

The event will take place at the CAFRE Hill Farm Centre in Glenwherry on Wednesday 3 September.

The Hill Farm Centre is home to 100 suckler cows, where the focus is on breeding efficiency, productivity, animal health and habitat management.

The enterprise is regarded as a model for balancing modern beef production with environmental stewardship, supporting a wide range of bird species in decline across Northern Ireland.

Breeding for efficiency

Managing and improving genetics: Cows and calves at the CAFRE Hill Farm Centre pre-weaning.

CAFRE Beef and Sheep Technologist, Martin Kirk, explained that the herd operates on a three-breed rotation of Angus, Shorthorn and Limousin cattle.

“The focus is to breed moderate sized, efficient cows suited to the environment, producing replacement females with improved genetic potential, good fertility with high health status or a high value beef animal with good health and growth potential which will target mainstream and added value markets,” Mr Kirk said.

Calving begins in April and is largely completed by mid-June. This tight calving pattern reduces disease risks and helps manage herd health.

Cows are achieving an impressive calving interval of 371 days, with a 95% scanning rate. On average, calves are weaned at 42% of the cow’s mature weight — exceeding the 40% target.

Genetics and health planning

Managing and improving genetics: Cows and calves at the CAFRE Hill Farm Centre.

Virtual fence technology has become an essential management tool at the CAFRE Hill Farm Centrey.

Home-bred replacements are selected for growth, temperament, and maternal efficiency. From autumn 2024, the herd will be fully genotyped, with genomic evaluations informing future breeding decisions.

Heifers are calved down at an average of 24.1 months, supported by careful monitoring of growth rates from birth to mating.

Animal health remains central to productivity. The herd operates under an annual veterinary-reviewed health plan, including a tailored vaccination programme, parasite control strategy, and careful monitoring of antimicrobial use.

Habitat management and technology

As well as driving herd performance, Glenwherry Hill Farm plays a vital role in biodiversity. Appropriate grazing pressure is used to maintain habitats for wildlife, particularly breeding waders.

Virtual fence technology has become an essential management tool at the CAFRE Hill Farm Centrey.

The farm has successfully introduced virtual fencing technology, using GPS collars to control grazing without physical barriers. This innovation has improved vegetation management on the breeding wader site and enhanced nesting conditions for bird species.

Outwintering cows on designated hill blocks has also proved effective, reducing silage needs by 160 tonnes and cutting slurry production by 150m³.

The approach has delivered environmental benefits including reduced ammonia emissions, while maintaining herd performance.

Uplands Open Day invitation

Visitors to the Uplands Open Day will have the opportunity to tour the Hill Farm Centre and hear first-hand about the suckler herd’s role in both livestock production and habitat conservation.

“Improving genetic potential, planning for animal health and welfare, maximising production from available forages while appropriately managing a diverse range of habitats are key areas of focus for the suckler herd,” Mr Kirk added.

In open upland areas virtual fence technology can be used to keep cattle within boundaries for management purposes or to graze specific habitats.

The CAFRE–Teagasc Uplands Open Day takes place on Wednesday 3 September at the Hill Farm Centre, Glenwherry.

Registration for a farm tour is recommended via www.cafre.ac.uk/events/cafre-teagasc-hill-farm-open-day, but walk-ins will be accommodated on the next available tour.