Speakers Announced for AFBI’s New Grassland Insights Webinar Series
Date published:
A strong line-up of speakers from research, industry and local farms has been announced for AFBI’s new Grassland Insights – From Soil to Sward webinar series.
Designed to help farmers boost grassland performance, improve soil health and strengthen farm profitability, farmers across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to register for the free three-part series which will run on Wednesday evenings in March.
Each session will be filled with practical advice to guide producers on making better use of their grass, improving the efficiency of fertiliser use and supporting animal performance, while also helping businesses make informed decisions about longer-term investment decisions.
The opening webinar on March 11 will explore how grassland can deliver more consistently throughout the growing season and will focus on agile management, sward diversity and matching swards to soil type and field conditions. David Patterson of AFBI, Conail Keown of CAFRE and Andrew Clarke of the Foyle Food Group will lead the presentations. Trevor Somerville (beef farmer) and Eileen McCluskey (CAFRE) will join David, Andrew and Conail on a panel discussion.
Soil health will take centre stage on March 18. In this session, Suzanne Higgins from AFBI and Tyrone farmer Bronagh O’Kane will examine how soil analysis, nutrient planning and soil structure form the essential foundations of productive, efficient grassland systems. They will be joined in the panel discussion by Fermanagh farmer John Egerton, Albert Johnston from CAFRE and Richard Beattie (YFCU President), offering a mix of practical farm experience and technical guidance.
The final webinar on March 25 will shift focus towards longer-term investment and the return it can bring. Paul Cottney from AFBI will be joined by dairy farmer and UFU Agri-Environment Vice Chair Andrew Wright to discuss fertiliser strategies, reseeding decisions and how to build resilient, high-performing swards for the future. Downpatrick beef farmer Paul Turley and Jason Rankin, a dairy farmer and AgriSearch representative will add their perspectives in the concluding panel discussion.
The Grassland Insight: From Soil to Sward webinar series will run on March 11, 18 and 25, from 8–9 pm. The webinars are free to attend, with registration available at www.afbini.gov.uk/page/grassland-insights-soil-sward-webinar-series
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.