AgriSearch NI
Driving Innovation in Agriculture

AgriSearch is Northern Ireland’s farmer-funded research and innovation body, dedicated to supporting a sustainable, productive, and resilient agri-food sector. 

We work in partnership with farmers, researchers, and industry leaders to deliver cutting-edge science and practical solutions tailored to the unique needs of local farming systems. From grassland management to livestock health and climate-smart practices, our mission is to ensure Northern Ireland’s farmers are equipped for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

On this site, you’ll find the latest research projects, results, and reports from across the agri-food sector, as well as practical tools and resources to help improve on-farm performance. Explore our news and events section to stay updated on upcoming workshops, webinars, and field days. Learn more about how farmers can get involved in research, discover insights from our demonstration farms, and access key publications tailored to beef, dairy, and sheep systems. Whether you’re a farmer, advisor, student, or policymaker, AgriSearch is your gateway to evidence-based innovation in Northern Ireland agriculture.

GRASS GROWTH
23%
Dry Matter

AgriSearch Projects

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ARCZero
Category: cross sectoral
The project is independently led by John Gilliland, alongside 7 commercial farms and industry partners including AgriSearch, Devenish, Queens University Belfast and Birnie Consultancy.
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Test New Project
Category: dairy

AgriSearch is proud to pilot a new initiative focused on enhancing productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the agricultural sector. This project will support collaborative research between farmers, scientists, and industry...

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(Super-G) Developing Sustainable Permanent Grassland systems and policies (DBS-92-17)
Category: beef

Organisations Involved: Newcastle University, ADAS, University of Aberdeen, Mendel University in Brno, Centre for Ecological Research, Univerzitet Crne Gore, SLU, University of Turin, Wageningen University and Research, ETH Zürich, Warsaw...

Operated by AgriSearch and AFBI, the project monitors weekly grass growth and quality and provides seven and 14 day grass growth rate forecasts to support farmers in managing pasture surpluses and deficits throughout the growing season.

Regular grass growth monitoring has been identified as a key mechanism to facilitate improvements in grass utilisation, which in turn carries a financial benefit for farmers.

Historically GrassCheck has been based on grass plot data. This core data collection will be retained in 2017 however this year, the project is being expanded to bring in grass growth and quality data from 35 commercial dairy, beef and sheep farms across N.I.

Grass Check
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Grasscheck Bulletin

25 March 2025

read grasscheck bulletinRead Bulletin

Latest News

Agrisearch Gives Initial Reaction to Nutrients Action Programme 2026 - 2029 Consultation

20 May 2025

industry news

AgriSearch presented its initial response to the DAERA proposals for the next Nutrients Action Programme (2026 – 2029) at a breakfast event at Balmoral Show on Thursday 15 May.

appetite for knowledge evident at agrisearch dairy conference

30 April 2025

industry news

Over 300 delegates were in attendance at the Armagh City Hotel for the AgriSearch Dairy Conference. With dairy farmers making up over half of the attendees, it is testament to...

Agrisearch Launches Dairy Farmer Survey

07 April 2025

industry news

AgriSearch are inviting all Northern Ireland dairy farmers to take part in a major survey they are carrying out on the research and innovation needs of the sector.
Field Beans and Red Clover

New Project Title

 

Summary card for the new project atht will lead to that project page.

Have you been thinking about growing field beans or red clover but not sure how it will affect your dairy cow’s diet?

Check out AgriSearchs' review of 6 different experiments, with their results and effects.

View The Project

AgriSearch Events

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3
Sep
Sustainable Upland Livestock and Habitat Management Event
17
Jun
NIIAS Conference - Securing High Animal Health Status for NI - threats and opportunities
2
Sep
Sustainable Upland Livestock and Habitat Management Symposium
11
Dec
Royal Ulster Winter Fair