The annual conference organised by the Ulster Grassland Society (UGS) is to take place on Tuesday 20 January 2026 at the Dunadry Hotel, Antrim, commencing at 10am.

This year’s programme will consider challenges and opportunities facing farm businesses in NI, with the opening address given by past president, Ian McCluggage.

Other speakers include Emma Nelson from Morrisions, who will give an insight into market requirements and the relationship between producers and processors.

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In the afternoon session, Westmeath dairy farmer GD Young will outline his spring-calving grass-based system and how it compares and contrasts with the high output, high-output system he previously operated when farming in Scotland.

The programme will conclude with a panel session featuring Shaun Diver, who manages the Irish Farmers Journal beef and sheep farm at Tullamore, Co Offaly and John O’Connell, a sheep farmer from Co Leitrim.

The conference is open to everyone and costs £35 for members and £45 for non-members. Booking is essential and can be done via the UGS website www.ulstergrassland.co.uk or by email to George Reid secretary@ulstergrassland.co.uk.