Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal beef farmers wanted for research project

Beef farmers in the counties of Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are wanted for a research project that will strive to identify novel crops and solutions that can be adopted on beef farms that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As part of the CliBeef (Climate Friendly Beef Production) project, led by AFBI and involving Teagasc, Queen’s University and AgriSearch, carbon reduction technologies and innovations will be trailed at research centres and demonstrated on 12 farms across the six counties of Northern Ireland and Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.

Running for three years, the project will help beef farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions through practical solutions. AgriSearch and Teagasc are currently recruiting beef farmers (both suckler and dairy-beef) to join the project.

Participating farms will trial a range of mitigation measures tailored to their individual systems. These may include breeding strategies to improve feed efficiency and reduce methane emissions, improved forage and grazing management and adjustments to animal diets. Other options include measures to enhance animal health, such as improving youngstock health and controlling parasites, as well as nutrient management practices like incorporating clover or multi-species swards, using protected urea and improving nutrient planning.

Farmers who join the project will receive access to scientific and technical advice, as well as financial support for implementing mitigation measures, including consumables such as clover seed and access to specialist training and consultancy.

The project also aims to help farmers improve efficiency, reduce input costs and prepare for future environmental regulations.

CliBeef is funded through the EU’s PEACEPLUS programme, which supports cross-border cooperation and reconciliation initiatives between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. PEACEPLUS is an EU funded programme managed by the Special EU programmes Body (SEUPB).

For further details and to express your interest in joining CliBeef, visit here.