Forage analysis work undertaken by the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) at Hillsborough is to end from 1 September 2018.

The system analyses around 8,000 samples of mainly grass silage each year.

Competition from private sector companies, both on cost and sample turnaround times, are understood to be factors in AFBI’s decision to stop providing the service to farmers.

However, AFBI is to continue to conduct research into forage analysis, particularly with instant analysis technologies. A service will also still be available at AFBI for companies that want to test and calibrate forage analysis equipment.

Other news from Northern Ireland

New boss at Moy Park

The US owners of Moy Park have announced that Chris Kirke has replaced Janet McCollum as president of NI’s largest private sector company.

The announcement includes a change in title from chief executive to president, which reflects the fact that Moy Park is now owned by US-based Pilgrim’s Pride.

The firm bought Moy Park from Brazilian meat processing giant JBS in September 2017 for £1bn. McCollum has led the poultry processor since 2014, and been with the company for over 25 years. Earlier this month, it was announced that she was taking a position as non-executive director at Glanbia Ireland.

Kirke previously led the US division of Dublin-based food manufacturer Greencore, leaving the position in March 2018. He has held various senior positions at Greencore and other food retail companies.

Machinery stolen in Omagh

Several items of machinery were stolen from the yard of livestock auctioneer and farmer Richard Beattie in the early hours of Monday morning.

A black Toyota Land Cruiser with chrome bull bars (registration RB02MO), a 12x6 porter flat trailer, a JCB Workmax UTV and a red Honda children’s quad were all taken from the premises on the Glenpark Road, Omagh.

Richard’s CCTV system recorded three men removing the quad from a shed at 2.15am. The vehicles were spotted on CCTV elsewhere in Omagh that night but have not been located since.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Richard on 07984694616 or the PSNI on the non-emergency number 101.

AgriSearch sheep farm walk

A farm walk is being organised by AgriSearch at AFBI’s research farm at Loughgall on Monday 4 June.

The event is being held at Deerpark Farm, Drumilly Road, Loughgall, BT61 8JH and runs from 6pm to 8.30pm.