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The AgriSearch board of trustees has welcomed the appointment of two new members, Oisin Murnion and John Martin.
A Kilkeel hill farmer Oisin pioneered conservation grazing in Northern Ireland using Galloway cattle in sensitive environments including the Mournes, sand dune coastal landscapes and Strangford Lough islands. A former UK chairman of the National Beef Association Oisin is adamant that retaining viable farm businesses in our uplands is the best means of protecting these fragile landscapes.
John Martin of Gordonall, Greyabbey is a Focus Farmer, who has hosted many thought provoking farm visits especially for those interested in lamb production. He also works closely with AFBI researchers in trials selected for support by AgriSearch.
His flock of 520 ewes are bred and managed with an emphasis on reducing labour costs and maximising returns from grass. Aside from cereals grown for use on the farm John also produces woodchip fuel from short rotation coppiced willow.
Oisin and John will serve in a voluntary capacity on the AgriSearch board as independent farmer members. They have been appointed following the untimely death last year of dairy farmer Seamus Haughey and the retirement of hill farmer Nigel McLaughlin from the position of trustee after the maximum term of service.
The other board members are James Campbell, David Workman, Mervyn King, Mary McCormack, Ian Marshall, Douglas Rowe, Henry Jordan, William Hanna and Phelim O’Neill.
AgriSearch, the Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council, was formed in 1997 to give beef, dairy and sheep farmers direct involvement in research that will boost business efficiency and hence family incomes. Duplication of existing R&D work is avoided and every effort is made to maximise leverage from complementary funding sources at regional, national and EU level.
For further details of AgriSearch operations browse www.agrisearch.org or e mail info@agrisearch.org for free ezine news updates.
