Production and marketing options for beef

February 28, 2019

The County Armagh beef finisher Business Development Groups (BDG’s) recently had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Irish Farmers Journal (IFJ) to discuss the potential marketing options for beef, especially in relation to Brexit.

The farmers were welcomed by Ciaran Hamill, Senior Beef and Sheep Development Adviser, CAFRE, who helped facilitate the discussion.  Ciaran opened the event highlighting the benefits of benchmarking which is the cornerstone for assessing how a farm business is performing, irrespective of the production system.

Ciaran Hamill addressing the members onthe benefits of benchmarking

The groups were then addressed by Phelim O’Neill, Market Intelligence and EU Specialist with the IFJ, on beef markets, the potential for maximising the value of beef and the potential outcomes under different Brexit scenarios.

Group members had the opportunity to ask questions to both Phelim and David Wright, IFJ Northern Editor, on beef marketing and the current Brexit debate and thinking. This generated a lot of debate and the opportunity to address Phelim and David was warmly welcomed by the members.

Phelim O’Neill (left) and David Wright, Irish Farmers Journal answering questions from the BDG members

The BDG programme is currently open for new applications.  If you are interested in joining a group, and availing for the opportunities afforded, then you can make an application by visiting the CAFRE website (www.cafre.ac.uk/business-development-groups) or by calling 028 9442 6790 or emailing: kt.admin@daera-ni.gov.uk.

Robert McFarland, Dungannon (left) and Sharman Dougan, Armagh, (centre) with Ciaran Hamill, CAFRE in discussion

This call for applications will close on Tuesday 5 March 2019 at 4:00pm.

The Business Development Groups scheme is partly funded under the EU NI Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.