AgriSearch has announced that they are seeking 20 new dairy farmers to take part in a major project to demonstrate and evaluate practical solutions to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK Dairy Carbon Network (UK-DCN) is part of a three-year project that will bring together farmers from across the UK to explore and implement practical solutions to reduce GHG.
AgriSearch said that through collaboration research and real world-testing, the project aims to deliver valuable insights that strengthen farm resilience and benefit the wider industry.
Each of the participating farms will have a dedicated farm liaison officer to assist them. Financial support will also be offered to the farms, including payments to farmers and access to products and services.
Participating farms will also have access to networking and knowledge exchange events, and have the opportunity to connect with leading scientific experts.
AgriSearch has said that the following mitigation strategies will not only reduce GHG but also reduce input costs and increase output, improving overall profitability on the farm.
The initial mitigation initiatives will fall under the following themes:
- Breeding for reduced methane or methane intensity;
- Improved forage quality;
- Changes to feed formulation;
- Improved feed efficiency/utilisation;
- Improved animal health and early intervention;
- Improved fertiliser efficiency;
- Manure management.
Alongside the 20 farmers in the NI farm network, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will also be recruiting 36 farmers across three other networks in the rest of the UK.
Other members within the Northern Ireland farm network include the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association, and Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland.
Further information can be found on the AgriSearch website where you can register your interest in the project.
AgriSearch will also be hosting an information webinar for interested farmers on Tuesday, March 18.
