The latest research to enhance sustainability for dairy, beef and sheep farmers will be available during two 'Farming for the Future' Open Days at AFBI Hillsborough in June.

The first day – Tuesday, June 18 – will focus on dairy production systems, while the second day (Wednesday, June 19) will focus on beef and sheep systems.

The last major Open Day at AFBI Hillsborough was in 2018, and organisers are delighted to be able to welcome farmers back, face to face.

AFBI says livestock farming systems have a significant role to play in Northern Ireland’s ability to improve our local air and water quality, as well as meeting the targets set in the Climate Act, while also supporting food security within the UK.

As such, these Open Days are very timely for all farmers in the livestock sector in Northern Ireland to see how the latest AFBI research underpins future sustainability in key areas such as nutrient use efficiency, reducing Greenhouse Gases and carbon footprints; and reducing nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, whilst enhancing biodiversity and optimising productivity.

The event will have a guided tour where talks will cover research from the soil through to the animal itself and impacts on water and air quality.

These talks will be from leading AFBI scientists and invited eminent scientists from the UK and Ireland.

There will also be a ‘village’ area where farmers will have a chance to chat to scientists and hear about wider research including pig and poultry research, animal welfare, anaerobic digestion, use of biomass, and much more.

The wider agri-industry will also be present in this village where farmers can engage with stakeholders in areas such health and safety on-farm, education courses available in the agri-food sector, and farmers’ wellbeing, to name but a few topics.

This event has lots to offer, so everyone is encouraged to come and spend the day at AFBI Hillsborough or just a couple of hours – the event will take place during the day on Tuesday, June 18 with tours starting at 10am, and the last tour leaving at 2.30pm.

Then on Wednesday, June 19, the first tour starts at 1pm and the last tour leaves at 5.30pm.

More details of these events will follow in coming weeks – but in the meantime, make sure to keep the date free!