Meet our 2020 Finalists

This team will explore the big challenges facing farmers of the future. For example, what is the consumer of the future looking for from the farmer and the beef that he/she wants to eat? Improving the adoption of new technology will be promoted. The team will look at how embracing new techniques can be balanced with tradition to make beef farming more sustainable.

 This team will look at optimising the use of natural resources such as grass and breeding. They will explore the importance and value of animal health and welfare. Measuring performance and its impact on setting targets will be highlighted. The connection between animal health and the farmer’s health & wellbeing will be explored. They will assess the benefit it has on family life and the farm business. How meeting environmental responsibilities can have a wider positive impact will also be explained.

This team will be promoting how caring for animals enriches their lives, and the lives of the local community, especially during these challenging times. They will be shining a spotlight on family farms working together, and the growing appreciation of the role of the farmer as ‘food hero.’ They will be learning how enthusiasm and hard work brings success and how we can all use our unique talents to impact positively on our communities and society.

The team will be examining production systems and their impact on eating quality. What the consumer’s expectations of beef eating quality will also be explored. They will evaluate the understanding farmers have on meat eating quality and the factors that influence it. They will be highlighting why it is important to farmers to connect with consumer needs.

The team will be looking at ways to educate the consumer about carbon sequestration on farms and the positive impact of breed and feed type on carbon production. They will be creating awareness of the unique selling points of the NI beef production systems on carbon output and on-farm practices that reduce carbon. They will explore the deep heritage of NI family farms and the passion to protect the environment for all by farming with ‘Social Licence’.