The topical subject of using homegrown proteins in dairy cow diets has been recently used by Dr. David Johnston, to complete his PhD funded jointly by DAERA and AgriSearch, supervised by Queen's University and AFBI.

AgriSearch General Manager Jason Rankin congratulated David and commented; “The publication of these findings is very timely as there is renewed interest in growing protein crops in Northern Ireland.

“AgriSearch has supported numerous PhD studentships over the past 24 years, many of whom now occupy leadership positions within the Northern Ireland agri-food sector. By supporting PhDs, we are not only conducting research of relevance to our farmer levy payers but also investing in the future of our industry. We wish David every success with his future career.”

AgriSearch recently published a booklet on the use of home-grown proteins in dairy cow diets which is available to download from the AgriSearch website.

AgriSearch, CAFRE, AFBI and DAERA are holding a webinar on “Growing home-grown proteins and their use in dairy cow diets” on Monday next, March 8 at 7.30pm. This will include an overview of the new DAERA pilot support scheme for protein crops, crop husbandry and agronomy of protein crops, farmer experience of growing field beans and the results of recent research at AFBI Hillsborough on the inclusion of home-grown proteins in dairy cow diets. Further details are available on the CAFRE and AgriSearch websites.

Dr Rosemary Agnew will initially overview the new DAERA pilot support scheme for protein crops which has just been announced by DAERA.

Leigh McClean from the CAFRE Crops Advisory Team will then discuss crop husbandry and agronomy of protein crops and Simon Best, an arable farmer from Scarva, will outline his experience of growing field beans.

Finally, Dr Conrad Ferris of AFBI will highlight the results of recent research at AFBI Hillsborough which has demonstrated the potential of field beans to partially replace imported protein sources such as soya bean and rapeseed meal with no significant impacts on cow performance.

The presentations will be followed by a question and answer / discussion session chaired by AgriSearch Chairman Seamus McCaffrey.

AgriSearch Chairman Seamus McCaffrey said, “The importance of food security and shorter food supply chains has been highlighted by the current Covid-19 pandemic. Imported protein supplements are expensive and subject to price volatility. In addition, the long-term supply of non-genetically modified protein into Europe cannot be guaranteed. Reducing imports would both increase resilience in the sector and improve the carbon footprint and environmental sustainability of local dairy systems.”

Dr Elizabeth Magowan, Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division in AFBI commented “It is really important that farmers and industry are provided with knowledge and advice, from recent experiences and research, on how to harness the benefits of this important DAERA scheme. I am delighted that AFBI, CAFRE, AgriSearch and DAERA have joined forces to bring forward this important webinar to ensure their collective intelligence on the growing and feeding of home grown proteins is available for farmers and the wider industry.”

Dr Eric Long, Head of Knowledge Advisory Service at CAFRE said DAERA’s pilot Protein Crops Scheme will provide local arable farmers with additional break crop options and the opportunity for NI’s agri-food industry to reduce dependence on imported protein supplements for livestock rations and thereby improve productivity, sustainability and resilience. Knowledge of protein crop production and utilisation is key to realising this potential. CAFRE welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Agrisearch and AFBI to deliver this webinar.”