New CAFRE Suckler Cow Fertility Groups aim to boost breeding success on NI farms

Main: Gareth Beacom, Beef and Sheep Adviser at The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has announced the launch of a new initiative to support Northern Ireland’s beef farmers — the Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups.

Part of the wider Beef Sustainability Package, these groups aim to improve fertility performance and long-term profitability of suckler herds across the region.

The short-term programme, running over two years, will be delivered through peer-to-peer learning, practical farm-level insights, and expert guidance from CAFRE advisers. The initiative provides targeted advice to enhance reproductive efficiency within suckler cow herds.

Joe kelly with a young and quiet red angus bull

CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser Gareth Beacom met with Co. Tyrone farmer Joe Kelly, one of the early participants, to discuss the benefits of the new themed groups. Joe, who runs a mixed pedigree and commercial herd near Clogher, is also well known for his AI breeding services and strong focus on genetic performance.

A former member of the Business Development Group (BDG) programme, Joe praised the new approach for bringing local farmers together.

“I enjoy going out to the other farmers’ fields and looking at and talking about the cattle!” he said, highlighting the social and collaborative value of the groups.

Joe Kelly with some replacement heifers

Joe also expressed keen interest in the upcoming ruminant genetics programme delivered in partnership with DAERA and Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) Ltd, reflecting his ongoing dedication to improving livestock quality.

Gareth Beacom emphasised the value of the new groups for farmers aiming to optimise the DAERA Suckler Cow Scheme and boost herd fertility.

“The Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups are a great opportunity for farmers to learn how they can optimise the benefits of the DAERA Suckler Cow Scheme package and improved fertility in general,” he said.

“The fact that the groups are local and made up of farms of a similar size makes the information even more valuable and relatable.”

Joe Kelly with some angus stock bulls

CAFRE is encouraging beef farmers across Northern Ireland to consider joining a local group if they want to:

• Gain support from a CAFRE adviser

• Receive focused guidance on suckler cow fertility

• Learn from like-minded local farmers

• Improve herd fertility and farm profitability

Group meetings will take place on members’ farms, and host farmers will receive a hosting payment. Each session will be facilitated by a CAFRE adviser, covering key areas such as reproductive efficiency and herd performance.

Applications for the Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups are now open. Interested farmers can apply via the CAFRE website at:

www.cafre.ac.uk/suckler-cow-fertility-themed-group

Alternatively, farmers are encouraged to contact their local CAFRE Adviser for further information.