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

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

Muir described the project as collaboration between government and industry. He said it uses science and evidence to support a resilient, efficient, and environmentally sustainable bovine livestock sector.

A DAERA-funded cattle genotyping scheme begins in September. Herd owners use it to identify traits such as feed efficiency and health characteristics for breeding decisions.

CAFRE provides training on portal use to farm consultants and agents. This assists them in helping clients register and participate. CAFRE schedules farmer training from September 2026 in online and face-to-face formats.

CAFRE invites applications for a dairy genotyping study visit to the Netherlands under the Farming for Sustainability Innovation Scheme. The three-day visit occurs from 31 August to 2 September 2026. Sites include CRV Headquarters and Wageningen University Dairy Campus.