Dairy farmers in Northern Ireland have been invited on what is described as a "study tour" in the Republic of Ireland on improving nutrient utilisation.

Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is offering farmers the opportunity to take part in the visit to counties Wexford and Louth to learn about "innovative approaches and technologies" on improving the environmental impact of dairy farming.

The visit will take place from October 13 to 15, and applications from farmers in Norther Ireland are now being accepted by DAERA.

The study tour is part of the Innovation Visits Scheme, which is being delivered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

The study tour will give farmers an opportunity to see a variety of technologies for improving nutrient utilisation on their farms, DEARA said.

The technologies on show will include nutrient management mitigation measures such as nutrient management planning, soil testing; and practical chemical and organic manure application techniques in terms of timing, application rates, and location.

Participants will have the opportunity to access the Teagasc-managed Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP).

DAERA said the data from the ACP is "invaluable" in the context of meeting sustainable food production challenges, in terms of water quality and the impact of farming practices.

The participating farmers from Northern Ireland will visit Teagasc Johnstown Castle in Co. Wexford, where the ACP is managed from.

The study tour will also visit the area of the Dunleer Catchment in Co. Louth, which is managed under predominantly grassland farming.

The tour will also involve farm visits.

Applications for the tour are invited from one member or employee of a dairy farm business that has more than 100 livestock units (LUs). Applicants must be over the age of 18 and must not be in full time education.

Up to 20 places are available on the visit, which will be allocated with preference given to those who meet the criteria.

All applicants will be asked to identify the innovations that they will be able to implement on their own farm on their return.