Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) today officially launched its Strategy and Communications Framework which sets out SRG’s vision and priorities to transform livestock breeding and genetic improvement in Northern Ireland for the future, with a strong focus on improving the uptake and impact of genetic improvement projects to enhance farm profitability, animal health and environmental sustainability.
SRG was established in 2022 and is a not-for-profit company set up as a strategic partnership between the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI), Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), and the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters’ Association (NIMEA) with the core purpose to lead and implement a long-term strategy of genetic improvement across Northern Ireland’s cattle and sheep sectors. SRG will play a central role in coordinating and supporting ruminant genetic improvement projects, including the £50 million DAERA funded Northern Ireland Bovine Genetics Project (BGP), working closely with industry partners, policymakers and farmers to drive long-term gains. Initially the focus will be on the cattle sector, but work is already underway with the NI Sheep Industry Taskforce to support genetic improvement across all ruminant sectors.
Currently, it is estimated that only around 12% of Northern Ireland dairy cows and 3% of suckler cows are involved in physical or financial benchmarking, compared with approximately 70% participation in the Republic of Ireland. Improving farmer engagement with benchmarking and data-driven breeding decisions is a key objective of SRG’s work and will underpin improvements in productivity, welfare and welfare and environmental performance, helping to future-proof the ruminant industry.
The launch event marks an important milestone for SRG as it moves into the next phase of strategy delivery, with a continued emphasis on transparency, farmer engagement and measurable outcomes. Future key milestones include the official launch of the Bovine Genetics Project (BGP) at the Balmoral Show later this year and the commencement of the Bovine Genotyping Scheme in September 2026. The accompanying communications framework aims to strengthen engagement with farmers and stakeholders, ensuring clear, consistent and accessible messaging and related training around the value of genetic progress.
Victor Chestnutt, SRG Chairman, said, “We are at the beginning of something genuinely exciting. It is essential that Northern Ireland farmers grasp the opportunities presented by SRG to help drive this project to deliver world class leading genetics forward and I have no doubt they will do so. By working together, and by making informed, data-led breeding decisions, we can build a more efficient, profitable and sustainable future for our livestock industry.”
