DAERA Minister Andrew Muir launched the Bovine Genetics Project user portal at the Balmoral Show. Stakeholders attended a demonstration of services for farmers.

Herd owners access data on animal and herd performance via the portal. Data covers environmental sustainability, economic performance, and animal health. Farmers register through the Sustainable Ruminant Genetics website.

Muir called the project a government-industry collaboration. He stated it applies science and evidence to build a resilient, efficient, and environmentally sustainable bovine livestock sector.

A DAERA-funded cattle genotyping scheme starts in September. It allows herd owners to identify traits like feed efficiency and health characteristics for breeding.

CAFRE delivers training on portal use to farm consultants and agents. This supports client registration and participation. Farmer training begins in September 2026 in online and face-to-face formats.

CAFRE opened applications for a dairy genotyping study visit to the Netherlands under the Farming for Sustainability Innovation Scheme. The visit runs from 31 August to 2 September 2026. Stops include CRV Headquarters and Wageningen University Dairy Campus.