Free DNA sample drop-off points open for Ballymena farmers under cattle genetics scheme
Sunday 27 September 2026
Beef and dairy farmers in the Ballymena area taking part in Northern Ireland’s Bovine Genetics Project can now use free local drop-off points to return DNA samples collected from their cattle.
The service is designed to make participation in the new genotyping scheme easier, allowing farmers to leave samples locally rather than relying on posting them directly to the laboratory.
Four collection points serving the wider Ballymena and North Antrim area have been confirmed at Fane Valley at Ballymena Livestock Mart, Fane Valley Seven Towers in Ballymena, Fane Valley Ballycastle and Riada Veterinary Clinic in Ballymoney.
How the sample service works
Once cattle have been tagged and a DNA tissue sample collected, farmers should place the pink sample vials in the pre-addressed pink envelope supplied with their tags and leave the envelope at one of the designated collection points.
Veterinary Surgeon Supply Co Ltd (VSSCo) will collect the samples and transport them to the Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) Genotyping Laboratory for processing. More than 40 collection points are being provided across Northern Ireland.
Farmers have been warned that only DNA samples should be placed in the designated SRG envelopes and that BVD samples must not be included.
Scheme aims to improve breeding decisions
The Bovine Genetics Project forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Sustainable Agriculture Programme and is being delivered by industry-led, not-for-profit Sustainable Ruminant Genetics.
Its genotyping scheme opened on 1 September, giving eligible farmers access to subsidised genomic testing of cattle. The information generated is intended to help farmers make more informed breeding decisions using genetic merit, performance information and benchmarking.
Victor Chestnutt, Chair of SRG, said:
“The Bovine Genetics Project is about giving farmers access to better information to support breeding decisions and long-term herd improvement. For that to happen, participation should be as straightforward as possible.
“By working with veterinary practices, retail partners and VSSCo, we have created a network of collection points that ensures farmers across Northern Ireland can engage with the project and begin building a clearer picture of the genetic potential within their herds.”
Farmer backs simpler collection process
Farmer and BGP advocate Martin Millar said making the process convenient would be important in encouraging participation.
“As a producer it’s important that participation in the project is as simple and convenient as possible. Having a local drop-off point makes the process easy. Once samples are collected, it’s simply a case of dropping them off during a visit or while passing their local practice or store.”
Aoife O’Farrell of Garvagh Vets said genotyping could provide farmers with valuable information about their herds and their potential for breeding, productivity and profitability.
“Veterinary practices work closely with livestock farmers every day, so we’re pleased to add our support, in such a practical way, by acting as a sample collection point. Our call is simply for more farmers to register and get involved.”
Support from Fane Valley and VSSCo
Paul Nugent from Fane Valley Stores said its network would help make sample collection more accessible to farmers taking part in the Northern Ireland-wide project.
“We’re pleased to support this important NI-wide initiative. By making sample collections more accessible through our store network, we can help farmers participate confidently in the Bovine Genetics Project and contribute to stronger herd performance, improved efficiency, and a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland’s livestock sector.”
William Sherrard, Managing Director of VSSCo, added:
“The Board of Directors at VSSCo are pleased to facilitate and streamline the process by transporting the samples from the designated farmer drop-off points to the lab in Belfast. SRG offers livestock farmers a unique opportunity to review the genetic potential of their herd, accelerate genetic progress, and thereby improve farm profitability”.
Who can take part
Under the scheme, all breeding females and breeding males registered as bulls on NIFAIS are eligible for subsidised genotyping during 2026. From 1 January 2027, eligibility will expand to every calf born and registered on NIFAIS during 2027.
The current cost to farmers is £11 plus VAT for each genotype, in addition to the price of the tag, with DAERA providing a £13 subsidy for each eligible animal. Farmers are charged when a sample reaches the laboratory rather than when the genotyping tag is purchased.
Farmers must first register their herd for the Bovine Genetics Project before joining the Genotyping Scheme, selecting an approved laboratory and nominating a tag supplier. Eligible animals can then be selected and DNA tissue sampling tags ordered.
Further details, including the full list of sample collection points, are available at https://www.srgni.com/sample-drop-off/. Farmers can also contact Sustainable Ruminant Genetics on 028 2046 2280 or by email at query@srgni.com
