20 Dec, 2022 - The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is offering dairy farmers the opportunity to travel to the Midlands of England to learn about how some progressive dairy farmers have reduced their herd dependance on antibiotics. A number of production systems will be featured as part of the tour, including a visit to the Nottingham University Dairy Research Facility.
The visit will also feature an evening presentation by Dr James Breen, a veterinarian with many years experience, both a practitioner and researcher, specializing in mastitis reduction strategies. Dr Breen is an Associate Professor, Cattle Health and Production at the University of Nottingham and has been involved in the production of many research papers on mastitis, as well as lecturing at the University of Nottingham. He was involved in the roll-out of the AHDB mastitis control programme, which was successfully implemented on numerous farms in GB. He was also involved in training people to use the associated software, to allow wider implementation of the mastitis control programme across the UK.
This study tour is part of the Farm Innovation Visits Scheme which is being delivered by DAERA’s College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).
It is envisaged that the trip will take place in March 2023, 8th - 9th over the course of two days, flying to Birmingham, with one overnight stay.
Applications are invited from one member or employee of a dairy farm business, particularly from those who are recording antibiotic use. Fifteen places are available on this trip. Should there be sufficient interest it is proposed that a subsequent trip may take place. To increase the benefits arising from the study tour, all applicants must identify a group of farmers to share their findings with upon their return.
The Farm Innovation Visit Scheme, which is part of the NI Rural Development Programme will cover the costs associated with setting up the visit, accommodation, travel outside of Northern Ireland and meals when in Great Britain. Participants will be expected to meet any additional costs, including farm relief and travel insurance.
Dairy farmers who are interested in participating in this study tour can find out more details and complete an online application https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-support/rural-development-programmes/farm-innovation-visits/
Source : https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/