AgriSearch held a webinar for farmers interested in participating in the next phase of the GrassCheck programme. The webinar outlined what will be involved in participating in the new network, including enhanced technical support, expanded training opportunities, and improved data capture to provide a deeper understanding of the economic and environmental benefits of effective grassland management.  We have included an audio recording of the webinar in this podcast.  The video version can be viewed on the AgriSearch YouTube channel.

The webinar was held as part of the ZeroNsile project which has established red clover swards on 12 farms across Northern Ireland and Lucerne on three farms in County Down.

Dr David Patterson (Grassland Agronomist from AFBI) started by looking at the results of previous Red Clover research carried out by AFBI and Teagasc.  This highlighted the ability of red clover to grow high yields with no inputs of manufactured N fertilisers. He then discussed the key steps needed to successfully establish red clover silage swards.  This included seed bed preparation, timing of sowing, having a soil pH of at least 6.5 and the P & K requirements of a clover reseed.  He also discussed sowing rates for different sward types and variety selection.

Two farmers from the ZeroNsile project (Stephen Maguire a Beef farmer from County Fermanagh and David Clarke, a dairy farmer from County Tyrone) discussed their experiences of establishing red clover silage swards on their farms as part of the ZeroNsile Project.  2023 was a particularly challenging year for reseeding due to the adverse weather conditions.  Nevertheless, both farms said they were planning to establish additional red clover swards in the future.

As you will be well aware the summer of 2023 has been particularly challenging for Northern Ireland's dairy, beef and sheep farmers.  After a dry May and June, there has been almost incessant rain which has affected grass quality and hampered silage making.  Ground conditions in many areas have been challenging with stock having to be housed at times.  These conditions have not been conducive to livestock health and performance and it is likely that many of the silages being fed to livestock this winter will be sub-optimal.  At the same time farmers are facing a cost / price squeeze with the cost of a kilogram or purchased feed now well below the price received for a litre of milk.  Many dairy farms are now experiencing cashflow issues.

With these issues in mind AgriSearch, in partnership with CAFRE and AFBI, organised a webinar for Northern Ireland dairy farmers which looked at options that farmers can take this autumn to help mitigate the challenges they are facing.

As you will be well aware the summer of 2023 has been particularly challenging for Northern Ireland's dairy, beef and sheep farmers.  After a dry May and June, there has been almost incessant rain which has affected grass quality and hampered silage making.  Ground conditions in many areas have been challenging with stock having to be housed at times.  These conditions have not been conducive to livestock health and performance and it is likely that many of the silages being fed to livestock this winter will be sub-optimal.  At the same time farmers are facing a cost / price squeeze with the cost of purchased feed remaining near historical highs and beef prices are under pressure.

With these issues in mind AgriSearch, in partnership with CAFRE and AFBI, organised a webinar for Northern Ireland beef farmers which looked at options that farmers can take this autumn to help mitigate the challenges they are facing.