Business Development Groups – last call for applications

March 4, 2019

Billy and Alex McClelland farm suckler cows, beef and sheep just outside Poyntzpass in Co Armagh. When Business Development Groups (BDG) were first launched in November 2015 Billy joined a beef finisher group and Alex joined a suckler cow group.

Alex hosted her suckler cow BDG on Thursday evening where they discussed plans for developing the housing and handling facilities. Local vet, Michelle Skillen also attended to outline the main issues in preparing for and managing calving in suckler cows.

The McClellands have plans to improve grassland management, suckler cow efficiency, finish bull calves as bulls to increase stocking rate and throughput, and improve handling facilities for health and safety and labour efficiency. Both agree being in a BDG and having access to expert help from advisers and other group members has helped them formulate plans for developing their farm business.

The scheme is currently open for new applications, so if you are interested in applying you will need to be quick as it closes on Tuesday 5 March at 4pm. To apply you can do so online by visiting the Business Development Groups page on this website.

The BDG scheme is part funded by the EU NIRDP 2014-2020.