SNHS deadline is approaching
DAERA has reminded farm businesses in Zone 4 (Co Antrim) of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) to register before the deadline, which falls on midnight on 1 September.
The same deadline applies to anyone in the first three zones who are yet to register for the scheme.
According to the department, this is the last time the scheme will be open to registrations. Participation in the SNHS and completing the associated training, will be a conditionality for the new Farm Sustainability Payment from January 2026.
Trueman Idol progeny top Lynn sale
The Hillside Hotties timed sale for the Lynn family saw a top price paid of £8,300 for the July 2024-born heifer, American Idol.
American Idol, sired by Trueman Idol out of an OVO Empire dam, was the 2024 Royal Ulster Beef & Lamb overall reserve calf champion. Another Trueman Idol daughter sold for £8,200.
Across 20 heifers on offer, the sale average was £4,637.50.
AFBI bred rygrass added to the list
Two new perennial ryegrass varieties bred by AFBI have been added to the recommended grass and clover list for 2025/2026 in England and Wales.
There are 13 new varieties on the list, including eight perennial ryegrasses, two Italian ryegrasses, two white clover and one red clover variety.
Two new AFBI varieties are the Intermediate tetraploid Castlewellan and Ardress which is a late heading tetraploid variety.
It brings the total number of AFBI-bred varieties on the list to 22.
Castlewellan enters the list as the top performing variety for early grazing and grazing spring yield.
Ardress, with a heading date of 31 May, is producing high annual yields of good-quality grass under both grazing and silage management.
SHARING OPTIONS