Muir launches new innovation scheme

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has launched the Farming for Sustainability – Innovation Scheme.

Part of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, it aims to help farmers adopt innovative practices to boost productivity, enhance environmental performance and future-proof their businesses.

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The scheme includes three strands: Innovation Visits (planned for March 2026), Innovation Farms and Innovation Partnerships.

The first Innovation Visit will be to Harper Adams University in Shropshire and Grosvenor Farms in Cheshire on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March 2026.

This visit will be focus on innovations around extracting nutrients from cattle slurry, particularly the removal of phosphorus from high-output dairying systems.

Application forms are available on the CAFRE website and must be submitted by 4pm on Tuesday 6 January 2026.

New Richhill grass variety from AFBI

AFBI has announced its latest late-heading tetraploid perennial ryegrass variety, Richhill.

Developed at AFBI Loughgall, Richhill has excelled in UK-wide trials and is now listed on both Scottish and England & Wales Grass and Clover Recommended Lists for 2025-2026.

Available via Barenbrug UK in spring 2026, Richhill is also the 40th forage grass variety released by AFBI in 25 years.