AFBI Grassland Insights Series Concludes with a Focus on Getting the Best Return from Investments in your Grassland
Date published:
The AFBI Grassland Insights – From Soil to Sward webinar series concludes on Wednesday 25 March at 7pm with a practical, forward looking session titled ‘Where to invest to optimise grassland productivity’?
Chaired by Prof Elizabeth Magowan (AFBI), the session will examine how targeted investment can deliver meaningful gains on Northern Ireland grassland farms, with a particular focus on fertiliser strategies, reseeding planning and building long‑term, high performing sward resilience.
AFBI’s Dr Paul Cottney will start the presentations by outlining considerations for fertiliser use and the expected response to nitrogen. This information will help farmers make decisions on application rates, which is particularly important this year, due to the recent spike in costs of all fertilisers. The webinar will also cover grass species choices for reseeding.
“I'm going to take the science and put it into real life and give you some practical advice to make more efficient use of your fertiliser,” says Andrew Wright, Omagh dairy farmer and UFU Agri‑Environment Vice Chair, who will then share on‑farm insights into balancing nutrient planning with cost pressures.
A concluding panel discussion will feature Downpatrick beef farmer Paul Turley and AgriSearch Strategy Manager and dairy farmer Jason Rankin.
The session comes at a time when fertiliser markets are experiencing sharp and rapid price increases. With fertiliser prices already at high levels before the current crisis, the latest spikes create added urgency for farmers to optimise nutrient use, plan early and invest only where returns are strongest. The webinar will guide farmers on making confident decisions amid this price volatility.
All sessions are free to attend and registration is still open.
PLEASE NOTE EARLIER START TIME OF 7PM
Notes to editors:
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.