Members of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Consultants Association (NIACA) recently completed Supporting Agri-Professionals Training delivered by Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG), in partnership with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), as part of the Bovine Genetics Project (BGP).
NIACA plays an important role in Northern Ireland’s agricultural industry. Its members work closely with farmers throughout the year, supporting farm paperwork, compliance requirements and participation in agricultural schemes. Through these regular interactions, they are well placed to raise awareness of new initiatives such as the Bovine Genetics Project and the opportunities it offers, including subsidised genotyping.
The Supporting Agri-Professionals Training equips trusted advisers with the knowledge and confidence to discuss the Bovine Genetics Project with farmers and direct them to the support available.
The session explored cattle genetics, genotyping, genetic indexes and the Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme. Participants also learned how to use the SRG User Portal, benchmarking reports and genomic evaluations to better understand herd performance and support future breeding and purchasing decisions.
Funded through DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP), the Bovine Genetics Project aims to improve the genetic potential of Northern Ireland’s beef and dairy herds. By combining cattle performance records with genomic analysis, the project provides farmers with valuable information to improve herd performance, breeding efficiency, animal health and the long-term sustainability of the cattle sector.
Working with organisations such as NIACA helps ensure trusted advisers across the industry have the knowledge to support farmers as the project continues to grow. By equipping those who work alongside farmers every day, the programme will increase awareness of the Bovine Genetics Project and encourage greater uptake of the opportunities available to Northern Ireland’s beef and dairy sector.
To register or learn more about the Bovine Genetics Project, visit www.srgni.com. If your organisation would like to find out more about Supporting Agri-Professionals Training, please email [email protected].
