The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has launched a new Better Economic and Environmental Finishing (BEEF)-themed group programme to help Northern Ireland beef producers finish cattle faster, more efficiently, and more profitably.
The programme, delivered as part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), is designed to help farm businesses improve environmental performance, increase output from the same resources, and strengthen financial resilience.
By focusing on reducing age at slaughter, the BEEF groups aim to turn technical knowledge into real on-farm results, according to CAFRE.
The groups will bring together “finishers who want to get better at what they do”, CAFRE said.
Each group will run for up to two years “to provide focused, peer-to-peer learning on the issues that really drive margins”, supported by a CAFRE-appointed facilitator.
‘Cutting costs’
Jack Friar, CAFRE beef and sheep adviser, said: “Joining a BEEF group to reduce age at slaughter isn’t just about cutting days, it’s also about cutting costs whilst ensuring carcass conformation and fat class targets are hit.
“Every month earlier an animal finishes saves feed, improves cashflow, and boosts carbon efficiency.
“Being part of a group helps you identify the small changes that deliver big gains, including the nutrition, genetics and other management tweaks that lift carcase quality as well as speed of finish.
“It’s a straightforward, positive step for any business looking to get more from the same resources.”
He added: “I would encourage any farm finishing cattle to apply and take the opportunity to work with their peers, share knowledge, and improve key areas of their business in a focused, practical way.”
To apply for a BEEF group, applicants can visit the CAFRE website or contact their local CAFRE adviser.
Applications must be received before Friday, 21 February 21, 2026 at 4:00pm.
