A new cross-border project is recruiting beef farmers from Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal and Northern Ireland.

The Climate Friendly Beef Production (CliBeef) project is led by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and involves Teagasc, Queen’s University and AgriSearch.

It will trial carbon reduction technologies and innovations at research centres and demonstrated on 12 farms over the next three years.

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The project aims to help beef farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by implementing practical solutions on farm.

AgriSearch and Teagasc are currently recruiting beef farmers (both suckler and dairy-beef) to join the project.

Mitigation measures

“Participating farms will trial a range of mitigation measures tailored to their individual systems,” Teagasc said.

“These may include breeding strategies to improve feed efficiency and reduce methane emissions, improved forage and grazing management and adjustments to animal diets.

“Other options include measures to enhance animal health, such as improving youngstock health and controlling parasites, as well as nutrient management practices like incorporating clover or multi-species swards, using protected urea and improving nutrient planning,” Teagasc added.

Financial support

Farmers who join the project will receive access to scientific and technical advice, as well as financial support for implementing mitigation measures, including consumables such as clover seed and access to specialist training and consultancy.

The project also aims to help farmers improve efficiency, reduce input costs and prepare for future environmental regulations.