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Could you benefit from CAFRE’s Business Group membership?

April 8, 2025

New Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs) are open for application. Leigh McClean, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Crops Adviser recently visited Thomas Annett, a past Business Group participant.

Thomas along with his brother William and their parents Gordon and Wilma, farm in the shadow of the scenic Mourne Mountains near Dundrum, Co Down. Operating a diverse farming business, they grow cereals and potatoes alongside running sheep, suckler and finishing beef enterprises. 

Could you benefit from CAFRE’s Business Group membership?
Thomas and William Annett making the most of the fine spell of weather to make baled silage, pictured with Leigh McClean, CAFRE Crops Adviser discussing the ryegrass mix used in the ley.

Thomas was a member of a potato and cereal Business Development Group (BDG) which Leigh facilitated. Following his visit to the farm McClean remarked,“The excellent early spring weather has given the brothers a chance to bale Westerwolds and Italian ryegrass mix silage. Sown as a cover crop after winter barley last summer, the short-term grass ley provides a great break crop. At our meetings we often chatted about sowing winter wheat later in the year or potatoes in the spring. Discussions were often tied, with both sides providing a useful source of fodder for insights for their livestock enterprises”. 

“I would encourage farmers to avail of the opportunity to join the new CAFRE Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs) commented Mr McClean. “They will offer the opportunity to access knowledge and best practices, learning from others’ experiences. At the meetings we will discuss new farming techniques, business models and technology and innovations in the sector”.

On his time attending Business Sustainability Groups, Thomas stated, “the knowledge and networks he gained, encouraged him to try new ideas back at home. He said it’s always good to hear the viewpoints of others and at our meetings I picked up lots of advice.” 

CAFRE is currently recruiting for the new programme of Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs). If you are an arable farmer develop your knowledge, cooperation and innovation through a BSG. Apply now to improve the sustainability and performance of your businesses.

Applications close at noon on Friday, 2 May 2025. For more information visit this page.

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