Technology demonstration farms now open for group visit bookings across Northern Ireland

Alastair McNeilly from Muckamore, is one of CAFRE’s beef grassland management Technology Demonstration Farmers. Book now to visit a TDF to view practices which could benefit your business.

Farmers and agricultural professionals across Northern Ireland now have the opportunity to visit working farms showcasing cutting-edge agricultural techniques, as the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) announces the continued availability of Technology Demonstration Farm (TDF) visits.

These farms, which span a range of sectors including dairy, beef, sheep, crops, environment and pigs, serve as real-life examples of innovative practices that can be observed and potentially adopted by visiting farmers on their own holdings.

Since the programme’s launch, more than 600 TDF training events have been successfully held, drawing positive feedback from participants across the region. Bookings are now being taken for upcoming visits in the coming months, offering valuable peer-to-peer learning opportunities directly on the farm.

Focus on Innovation and Practical Learning

One of the pioneering TDFs in the beef sector is run by Alastair McNeilly, a dedicated farmer from Muckamore, County Antrim.

With an 80-head suckler cow and beef finishing enterprise alongside a poultry operation on his 60-hectare farm, Alastair has hosted nearly 40 visiting groups to date.

Alastair operates a closed herd made up of Limousin and Aberdeen Angus crosses, rearing his own replacements and finishing all progeny on-site. His farm is a clear example of how targeted innovation and best practice can maximise productivity, particularly when land resources are limited.

“I recognise that I need to get the best out of the limited land resource at my disposal,” said Alastair.

“Therefore, my focus is on improving the productivity of my grassland. Improvements in grassland management has resulted in better utilisation of grass which has also resulted in improved animal performance.

“This has been achieved through a range of technologies, including soil analysis and nutrient management planning, grass budgeting using online support tools and animal performance recording using EID weighing scales.

“I continue to be excited about being a TDF beef grassland management farmer as I really enjoy hosting group visits. I am looking forward to having other groups of farmers visit my farm in the months ahead.”

Funded Innovation Driving Agricultural Progress

The TDF initiative is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) under the Innovation Technology Evaluation Demonstration (ITED) Scheme, which forms part of the Rural Development Programme.

The scheme aims to promote innovation through peer learning, allowing farmers to witness practical applications of new technologies in real-world settings.

Full details of all the Technology Demonstration Farms, including Alastair McNeilly’s, and how to book a visit can be found on the CAFRE website at www.cafre.ac.uk/industry-support/technology-demonstration-farms.

At present, group bookings only are being accepted, and can be arranged by contacting CAFRE via email at kt.admin@daera-ni.gov.uk.