Date published:
17 July 2025

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has launched a Themed Group programme focused on Suckler Cow Fertility, as part of the Beef Sustainability Package.

CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser, Gareth Beacom, recently met with Clogher farmer, Joe Kelly, to discuss the new groups.

Joe runs a mixed pedigree and commercial herd from his farm near Clogher, Co. Tyrone whilst also offering AI breeding services. He places a strong emphasis on using proven genetics that are both suited to the local environment and deliver high performance for farmers. Joe is also enthusiastic about the upcoming ruminant genetics programme which is being delivered in partnership with DAERA and Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) Ltd. 

As a former member of the Business Development Group (BDG) programme, Joe is looking forward to engaging with the new themed groups and once again being part of a local suckler discussion group. Commenting on the new groups, Joe states he enjoys the locality and social aspect of the groups: “I enjoy going out to the other farmers fields and looking at and talking about the cattle!”

Joe has an enviable passion for livestock and genetics, and it was this interest that persuaded Joe to sign up to the new Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Group to continue being part of a local discussion group.

The Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups are a short term (2 year) initiative and are aimed at helping farmers improve their suckler cow fertility. The groups are based around peer-to-peer learning and the sharing of knowledge to develop practices that work locally at farm level, to enhance suckler cow fertility.

Commenting on the groups, Gareth said: “The Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups are a great opportunity for farmers to learn how they can optimise the benefits of the DAERA Suckler Cow Scheme package and improved fertility in general. The fact that the groups are local and made up of farms of a similar size makes the information even more valuable and relatable.”

Beef farmers interested in improving suckler cow fertility and long-term business sustainability are encouraged to join a local group in your area to:

Gain support from your CAFRE adviser.Get focused advice on suckler cow fertilityLearn from like-minded farmersImprove business margins

Group meetings will be held on members’ farms, with host farmers receiving a hosting payment. Meetings will be facilitated by CAFRE appointed advisers focusing on improving suckler herd reproductive efficiency, and herd performance.

To make an application to the Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups , visit the CAFRE website or for more information, contact your local CAFRE Adviser.