How CAFRE is helping NI farmers boost herd fertility and sustainability

Micheal Finnegan chats through breeding performance with CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser Noel McNeill. Micheal has applied to join the new Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups, which are still open for applications.

A South Armagh farming family has credited CAFRE support with helping them modernise their breeding practices and improve herd performance, while reducing safety risks on their farm.

During a recent visit to a farm outside Belleek, Senior Beef and Sheep Adviser Noel McNeill met with Micheal and Jim Finnegan, who run a herd of around 30 breeding cows.

The family has worked closely with CAFRE advisers for several years and has now applied to join the new Suckler Fertility Themed Groups.

Heifers are retained for breeding, while males and surplus heifers are sold through the local livestock mart at around 350kg. In addition, the Finnegans have diversified their enterprise by incorporating calf rearing alongside their suckler herd.

One of the most significant changes on the farm has been the adoption of synchronisation programmes and artificial insemination (AI). These measures have not only improved herd fertility but also made cattle management safer and more efficient.

Micheal explained:

“When we first started working with CAFRE, we were at a turning point in our management practices. Having a stock bull to breed all our cows was no longer a safe option. My father and I often work solo on the farm, so the risk of handling a bull was too high.”

After raising his concerns, Micheal was introduced to synchronisation and AI. He now manages three batches of ten cows each year and has improved conception rates by inseminating twice.

“The synchronisation programmes have made managing our herd much easier. I synchronise three batches of ten cows each year. This allows me to plan my year and labour around my full-time job,” he said.

His approach has resulted in an average conception rate of 80%.

“I’m very happy with the conception rates I’m seeing. With the support of my CAFRE Adviser, I’ve also been able to improve the genetic makeup of my herd,” Micheal added.

Looking ahead, Micheal plans to focus more on maternal traits when selecting bulls, aiming to boost milk production and enhance fertility through hybrid vigour.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of the new Suckler Fertility Themed Groups. Having access to a CAFRE Adviser, along with their technical expertise and one-to-one mentoring, will help set me on the right path to achieve my breeding goals,” he said.

Senior Adviser Noel McNeill encouraged other farmers to consider joining the programme:

“If you’re keen to improve the fertility of your suckler herd, working with a CAFRE Adviser can be a real asset — especially when combined with the peer-to-peer learning that comes from being part of a group of like-minded farmers.”

CAFRE is currently recruiting for its new programme of Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups, which will cover topics such as breeding technologies, genetic selection, and herd performance.

Applications are open until Friday 19 September at 4pm via the Business Support area of the CAFRE website or through local CAFRE advisers.