Better equipped to advise Farmers
February 24, 2026
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in collaboration with Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) have commenced delivery of the Agri-professionals Programme for the Bovine Genetics Project (BGP). This programme is being delivered to ensure Agri-professionals are equipped with the required technical expertise on genetic improvements when engaging with farmers.
Darryl Boyd, Senior Technologist CAFRE states “By strengthening knowledge and technical expertise among Agri-professionals, this programme aims to enhance knowledge transfer, increase farmer engagement with the project, and ensure genetic information is accurately interpreted and correctly applied at farm level.”
The Bovine Genetics Project, which is part of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP), aims to transform breeding decision‑making across Northern Ireland’s beef and dairy sectors. By collecting and collating animal performance and genomic data, the project will provide farmers with access to genetic merit information enabling better informed breeding decisions. The overarching objective is to support the production of more efficient, productive and healthy animals, delivering long‑term productivity gains alongside environmental benefits for the wider industry.
The programme incorporates an introduction to cattle genetics, genotyping and genetic indexes, together with an overview of the Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme, outlining its role in increasing the rate of genetic gain. Practical information on how to navigate the user portal, including key functions and benchmarking outputs that support the practical interpretation of genetic information is also covered. The programme ensures Agri-professionals are equipped with the knowledge required to deliver consistent messaging and support effective farmer engagement as the project is rolled out. Initial feedback from the first cohort of Fane Valley staff completing the programme suggest they are ‘Better equipped to advise farmers going forward.’
If you or your organisation would like to know more about the Supporting Agri-Professionals Programme, please email supportingagriprofessionals@daera-ni.gov.uk or to learn more about the SAP and the Bovine Genetics Programme visit https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/sustainable-agriculture-programme .
Fane Valley staff who recently completed the Bovine Genetics Project Agri-Professionals programme together with Albert Johnston, Head of Knowledge Advisory Service, CAFRE, CAFRE Technologists David Mackey and Daryl Boyd and SRG Business Specialist Lois McConaghy.