Around 200 farmers attended the recent “Breeding for Performance” roadshows at Ballymena and Clogher Livestock Markets organised by AFBI, AgriSearch, CAFRE and LMC.
![](https://www.afbini.gov.uk/sites/afbini.gov.uk/files/styles/inline/public/images/%5Bcurrent-domain%3Amachine-name%5D/news/5232a%201200_1.jpg?itok=IEHs2dzp×tamp=1560172388)
Speakers at the events included Dr Francis Lively (AFBI), Dr Steven Johnston (CAFRE), Dr Barry McInerney (AFBI) and Professor David Kenny (Teagasc).
![Dr Francis Lively (AFBI) Dr Francis Lively (AFBI)](https://www.afbini.gov.uk/sites/afbini.gov.uk/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/5250%201200_0.jpg?itok=nxIx9ZJC)
![Dr Steven Johnston (CAFRE) Dr Steven Johnston (CAFRE)](https://www.afbini.gov.uk/sites/afbini.gov.uk/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/5316%201200.jpg?itok=-_KIL-T_)
![Dr Barry McInerney (AFBI) Dr Barry McInerney (AFBI)](https://www.afbini.gov.uk/sites/afbini.gov.uk/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/5365%201200_2.jpg?itok=f-LOeM0l)
Professor David Kenny reported that 80% of calves born on suckler beef herds are sired by bulls. He reported that 3-5% of bulls are infertile and 10-25% of bulls can be sub-fertile. Consequently, producers need to be continually vigilant for potential fertility problems so that corrective action can be taken before it’s too late. He reminded producers that young bulls should be purchased well in advance of the breeding season to enable them to acclimatise to the new herd and diet prior to the start of the breeding season.
![Professor David Kenny (Teagasc) Professor David Kenny (Teagasc)](https://www.afbini.gov.uk/sites/afbini.gov.uk/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/5415%201200_1.jpg?itok=d-murdr6)
Electronics copies of the event booklet can be downloaded from the AgriSearch website. Hard copies can also be requested by contacting AgriSearch on 028 92681539.
The organisers would like to sincerely thank the management and staff at Ballymena and Clogher Livestock Markets for hosting these two events.
Further mart based events for the beef and sheep sector are planned for the coming months as part of the “Future Proofing Beef and Sheep Farming” series of events being organised by AFBI, AgriSearch, CAFRE and LMC.
Latest news
- AFBI warns about the risk of Haemonchus worm infection in sheep 10 July 2024
- Honorary Professorship acknowledges AFBI expert’s contribution to advancing sustainable agriculture 28 June 2024
- Zone 3 of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme opens for registration 24 June 2024
- Important information on temporary changes in the provision of Postmortem facilities at OMAGH Laboratory 12 June 2024