29 Apr 2021
RURAL RESEARCH: Prof Stephen Roper
FARMERS and operators of other rural businesses are being asked how they are dealing with Covid-19 as part of a major new survey.
There is little research about how small firms in rural areas manage crises and how they recover, so the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) plans to speak to more than 4,000 businesses in the next two months to shed light on the issue.
The survey – NICRE’s first – asks rural businesses about the strategies they have put in place during the pandemic to increase their resilience and their plans and expectations for the future.
April 29, 2021 4:16 pm
Grazing deficits are being reported on many dairy farms in Northern Ireland, as persistent cold temperatures and low rainfall challenge growing conditions.
GrassCheck shows that grass growth rate is well below the previous 10-year average and, as expected, this is having a major impact on grazing.
With lower than average rainfall recorded in the past month and little expected for the incoming week, a soil moisture deficit may also be having an impact on grass growth in the eastern counties.
Michael Verner, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) dairying adviser based in Newry, said:
“It is important to be proactive; walk the grazing platform weekly to check what grass is available for grazing and to assess regrowths.
April 28, 2021 4:21 pm
Big data, artificial intelligence and the transformative bio-economy are set to be prioritised for government support for Northern Ireland agriculture.
Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots’ Innovation Strategy sets out how the department (DAERA) plans on encouraging the adoption of technology within the sector over the next four years.
The plan sets out the target that 50% more businesses will harness the prioritised technology by 2025.
A UK-wide survey estimated Northern Ireland was the least innovation active country in the UK during 2014-2016, leading to the Northern Ireland Executive setting a target for Northern Ireland to be ranked in the top four of the 12 UK regions by 2025.
Level 2 apprentice Robbie Thompson from Pritchitts Lakeland Dairies
Northern Ireland agri-food business Lakeland Dairies is celebrating the benefits of helping students complete their training during this year’s Apprenticeship Week.
Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week runs from
April 26 to May 2, 2021, and celebrates the broad range of apprenticeships available in the region, as well as the contribution apprenticeships make to people, businesses, communities and the economy.
‘Learning the skills as well as the theory’
One local business, Lakeland Dairies’ Pritchitts site in Newtownards, is helping future-proof its skills needs through Level 2 Apprenticeships in Food Industry Skills in conjunction with the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).