Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) was pleased to participate in the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland (AVSPNI) Summer Day, held on Wednesday 17 June at the Foyle Food Group Farm near Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.
The event brought together veterinary professionals from across Northern Ireland for an afternoon of learning, discussion and networking focused on key topics influencing the future of beef production.
Attendees were welcomed by representatives from Foyle Food Group and heard an overview of the business and its farming operations. Much of the presentation and farm tour was led by Foyle Food Groups Agriculture Manager, Andrew Clarke, with contributions from Foyle Food Group Director and farm owner Wayne Acheson and members of the company’s graduate programme team.
A farm tour followed, covering animal health and welfare, soil health and genetics. Attendees had the opportunity to see several innovative aspects of the farming operation, including Foyle Food Group’s soft bedding system, its worm farm, and cattle grazing willow as part of the farm’s wider sustainability initiatives. The tour provided valuable insight into how animal welfare, environmental stewardship and productivity can be integrated within a commercial livestock enterprise.
As part of the afternoon programme, SRG delivered a presentation on the Bovine Genetics Project and the opportunities it presents for farmers, veterinarians and the wider beef industry. The presentation highlighted how the project is helping to build a comprehensive database of performance and genetic information that can support more informed breeding and management decisions on farm. Attendees also heard how the SRG User Portal allows participating farmers to grant their veterinary practice access to herd data, providing vets with additional insights that can help them support herd health, performance and farm profitability.
The programme also included a presentation from Eamon Kelly of Aberdeen Angus Quality Beef (AAQB), who outlined the organisation’s work within the beef sector to promote the Angus breed, followed by remarks from event sponsor Norbrook. The event concluded with closing comments from AVSPNI President Keith Sheridan.
SRG would like to thank AVSPNI for the invitation to attend and Foyle Food Group for hosting the event. The Summer Day provided a valuable opportunity to engage with veterinary professionals and discuss how data, genetics and collaboration can support more sustainable and profitable beef production in Northern Ireland.
