CAFRE urges farmers to join Soil Nutrient Health Scheme training in June

Dr Steven Johnston and Mary-Ann Alexander, from CAFRE have marked a significant achievement as the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) reaches a milestone — over 5,000 training sessions successfully completed.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is calling on farmers across Northern Ireland to participate in its Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) training, available both online and at in-person events throughout June 2025.

This initiative aims to equip farmers with vital knowledge to enhance soil health, optimise nutrient use, and ensure long-term farm productivity while adhering to environmental regulations.

The SNHS training programme is designed to help farmers interpret soil analysis results, develop effective nutrient management plans, and adopt practices that reduce environmental impact.

With over 5,000 farmers already having completed the training, CAFRE is encouraging those yet to participate to seize this opportunity to improve their farming practices.

Dr Steven Johnston, Senior Adviser at CAFRE, highlighted the programme’s success and importance:

“We are delighted with the response received to date to the online training programme. Over 5,000 farmers have already completed training, and I would encourage those who haven’t to check out what’s available at: www.cafre.ac.uk/snhs-training.

“The SNHS training ensures that farmers understand the results of their soil analysis provided through the scheme and are aware of nutrient management plans and how they could improve efficiency on their farm. Coupled with this, the training will offer insights into best practices for improving soil health and reducing runoff and incorporates information to help comply with environmental regulations.”

Flexible Training Options for All Farmers

Recognising that not all farmers have reliable internet access, CAFRE has partnered with Ai Services to deliver a series of in-person, theatre-style training events across the province.

These sessions allow participants to view the same educational videos available online, completing the full training course in a single day without requiring a computer or digital device.

The in-person events are scheduled as follows:

•  Thursday, 5 June 2025 – Lisburn

•  Tuesday 10 June 2025 – Portadown

•  Monday 16 June 2025 – Newry

• Tuesday 17 June 2025 – Limavady

• Tuesday 24 June 2025 – Enniskillen

These free training sessions are designed to be accessible and practical, offering farmers a convenient way to gain essential skills in nutrient management and soil health. Booking is essential due to limited spaces, and farmers are urged to reserve their place promptly.

For those who prefer a more flexible approach, the online training platform remains available, allowing farmers to complete the course at their own pace. Both options provide the same comprehensive content, ensuring all participants can benefit from the latest insights into sustainable farming practices.

Why SNHS Training Matters

The SNHS training is a cornerstone of CAFRE’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture in Northern Ireland.

By focusing on nutrient management, the programme helps farmers maximise the efficiency of their inputs, reduce nutrient runoff, and protect local waterways. This not only supports environmental compliance but also enhances farm profitability by improving soil health and crop yields over time.

The training covers critical topics such as interpreting soil analysis results, creating tailored nutrient management plans, and adopting best practices to minimise environmental impact. With increasing pressure on farmers to meet stringent environmental regulations, the SNHS training provides practical tools to stay compliant while maintaining productive and sustainable operations.

How to Get Involved

Farmers interested in attending the in-person training events or accessing the online course can find full details at www.cafre.ac.uk/snhs-training. To secure a place at one of the free in-person sessions, booking is required through the CAFRE website or by contacting Ai Services directly at 028 9083 3123.

CAFRE is urging farmers to act quickly to take advantage of these opportunities. Whether through the convenience of online learning or the hands-on experience of in-person sessions, the SNHS training offers invaluable knowledge for farmers committed to improving their practices and contributing to a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s agricultural sector.