Over 1000 beef, dairy and sheep farmers attended the ‘Farming for the Future’ Open Days at AFBI Hillsborough on 18 and 19 June featuring guided tours, special talks, and roundtable discussions on future farming predictions in Northern Ireland.

Farmers and industry visitors experienced in-field presentations where leading AFBI scientists shared key findings from their studies over the course of the successful two-day event.

A highlight of the open days was showcasing AFBI’S latest research emphasizing future sustainability in key areas such as nutrient use efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases and carbon footprints; reducing nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, whilst enhancing biodiversity and optimising productivity.

Commenting on the event, Professor Elizabeth Magowan, Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division at AFBI said, “It was fantastic to see so many farmers and industry visitors at this major event. It was a great opportunity to showcase the latest AFBI research that underpins the future sustainability of our industry.

“Our own leading scientists, along with experts from across the UK and Ireland, gave talks looking at current industry challenges and broader research topics, including pig and poultry research, animal welfare, anaerobic digestion, biomass use and more.”

As part of the two day event the wider agri-industry were present in a village area where farmers engaged with stakeholders, scientists and CAFRE development advisors in areas such health and safety on farm, education courses available in the agri-food sector and farmers’ wellbeing.