Open Days at AFBI Hillsborough

AFBI are delighted to welcome farmers and the wider agri-industry to our upcoming open days called “Farming for the Future” on 18 and 19 June, to be held at their Hillsborough site. 

This is a major event in the farming calendar to highlight how the latest AFBI research underpins future sustainability of our industry.  This is particularly prevalent due to current challenges facing the agri- industry including the need to reduce greenhouse gases, ammonia emissions and work to improve water quality and increase biodiversity.

Tuesday 18 June will focus on dairy systems, while Wednesday 19 June will focus on beef and sheep systems.  Guided tours will be available at half hourly intervals on both days; leaving from between 10am to 2.30pm on 18 and 1pm to 5.30pm on 19.  These tours will feature both AFBI scientists and invited guest speakers and will last approximately 1.5 hours.  Topics include soil health, slurry management, grassland, animal genetics, nutrition and heifer rearing (on the 18), with suckler herd fertility being included on the 19.

After the guided tour, there will opportunities to choose to go on a Feature Tour to the Biomass Connect Platform and a series of focus areas where AFBI scientists and CAFRE development advisers will be on-hand to discuss wider themes within these topics and others such as animal health and welfare.

The wider agri-industry will also be present in a village area where farmers can engage with stakeholders in areas such health and safety on-farm, education courses available in the agri-food sector and farmer’s wellbeing to name a few. There will be lots to see, so all are welcome to come and spend a few hours or longer as it suits.  The events will close at 5.15pm on the 18 June and 8.15pm on the 19 June.

Car parking will be in the Hillsborough Castle carpark off the A1 dual carriageway and visitors will be bused to the event.

Pre-registration is essential for these events and can be found at:

Registration for AFBI Hillsborough Open Days 

or by scanning the QR code:

Notes to editors: 

AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.

AFBI’s Purpose is “To deliver trusted, independent research, statutory and surveillance science and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments”.

AFBI’s core areas:

• Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability.
• Protecting animal, plant and human health.
• Enhancing the natural and marine environment.

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