AgriSearch offers new opportunity

AgriSearch, the Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council, is offering a forward-thinking milk producer an interesting and unusual opportunity.

“We are seeking an independent farmer representative to join our Dairy Advisory Committee, which plays a key role in identifying research projects of potentially great practical value to producers,’’ explained AgriSearch project manager Jason Rankin.

He said: “This is a role for an enthusiastic milk producer interested not only in the business of running their own farm more efficiently, but in farming affairs far beyond their own townland.”

The appointment is unpaid, apart from travelling expenses, is for three years and involves attending four meetings per year.

For more details, contact Jason Rankin on 028-8778 9770. Alternatively, an information pack and application form can be downloaded from www.agriseach.org. Applications should be made by Friday 23 May.

Soil and suckler fertility

A beef farm walk has been organised jointly by AgriSearch, AFBI and CAFRE on the farm of Thomas Moorhead at 23 Kilnacolopaghy Road, Aughafatten, Broughshane, Co Antrim, BT42 4LN on Wednesday 7 May at 2pm.

The event will focus on cattle fertility and, also, soil.

Researchers from AFBI will discuss the benefits of calving heifers at two years and the results of a study on synchronisation of replacement heifers. Staff from CAFRE will outline the importance of good soil fertility and good grassland management this grazing season. For more details, contact AgriSearch on 028-8778 9770.

Final-year agricultural technology students at Queens University Belfast (QUB) are to host a symposium on Thursday 1 May at the Medical Biology Centre, Lisburn Road, Belfast, which poses the question ‘Are we still going for growth one year on?’

The subject up for debate is progress made since the launch of the report of the Agri-Food Strategy Board, ‘Going for Growth’ at last year’s Balmoral Show.

The event runs from 6.30pm to 9pm, with speakers including Tony O’Neill the chairman of the Agri-Food Strategy Board, David Wright from the Irish Farmers Journal, Owen Brennan from Devenish Nutrition, DUP MEP Diane Dodds and Ian Marshall of the Ulster Farmers Union.

The chairman is Chris Elliott, head of the global food security department at QUB. Everyone is welcome to attend. Enquiries should be directed to Dr Niamh O’Connell (90976507; niamh.oocnnell@qub.ac.uk), or Owen Carragher at ocarragher01@qub.ac.uk