Results from soil test trials due in 2026

The results from trials on a new soil test for basalt soils will be published in early 2026, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has said.

In response to a written question from Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer, Minister Muir said the new research is part of the ongoing Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS).

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Previous research has found that the widely used Olsen soil test can under-estimate the amount of available phosphorus in soils that contain higher levels of aluminium and iron.

The fourth and final area for the SNHS, which mainly covers Co Antrim, has the highest proportion of basalt soils in NI and is being soil sampled this winter as part of the scheme.

“The degree of phosphorus saturation (DPS) test is being examined as an alternative test, as it is deemed to more accurately reflect the plant available phosphorus in these soils,” Minister Muir said.

Muir to set out TB wildlife plan in spring

A public consultation on wildlife intervention measures for bovine TB control will be published next spring, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has said.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Minister Muir pointed to a “blueprint” agreed by representatives from DAERA, farm groups and environmental organisations in April 2025.

The high-level document was built around three broad areas, namely “people, cattle and wildlife”.

“We move forward with all three pillars to bring down the level of infection. The consultation on the wildlife intervention will commence in spring next year,” Minister Muir said.

John Fegan elected NIIAS chairman

John Fegan from Castlewellan, Co Down was elected chairman of the NI Institute of Agricultural Science (NIIAS) at the organisation’s AGM last week.

The CAFRE lecturer takes over from retired civil servant Jim Freeburn who held the post for the past two years.

At the meeting in Coleraine, the position of vice chair went to Aislínn Campbell, who works as a nutritionist at Keenan.

Co Antrim sheep farmers Campbell Tweed also finished up his tenure as NIIAS president and was replaced by senior DAERA official George Moffett.

Maiden heifer makes £5,100 at Clogher

There was a flying trade for in-calf and maiden heifers at at Clogher Mart last Wednesday for Messers Quinn & McElroy, with prices averaging £3,945/head for 10 in-calf heifers and £2,827/head for 52 maiden heifers. Top price of £5,100 was paid for a March 2024-born, 575kg maiden heifer sired by the Limousin bull Claddagh McCabe and out of a Belgian blue Du Grand Bon Dieu.