Published 7 October 2025
Farmers in Northern Ireland will continue to have access to firsthand demonstrations of agricultural innovation, following the extension of the Technology Demonstration Farms (TDF) scheme until the end of October 2025. Run by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), the initiative has become a cornerstone of knowledge transfer in the region, offering practical insights into technologies that can enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
Since its launch in 2018, the TDF network has hosted over 600 training events, spanning dairy, beef, sheep, crop, pig, and environmental sectors. The programme’s success lies in its hands-on approach—farmers can observe new techniques in real-world conditions, ask questions, and assess whether innovations might suit their own operations. Participant feedback has consistently highlighted the value of seeing technologies in action, rather than relying solely on theoretical advice.
One standout example is Philip Kyle’s dairy farm in Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, a TDF operating under the theme of *Feed Efficiency*. Since 2014, Kyle has refined his system to maximise milk production from forage, reducing reliance on concentrate feed. The results speak for themselves: lower input costs, higher milk yields per cow, and improved profitability—all while shrinking the farm’s carbon footprint. By optimising grassland management, Kyle has also enhanced nutrient efficiency, cutting nitrogen and phosphorus losses.
“Farming is about constant improvement,” says Kyle. “Hosting these visits lets me share what we’ve learned—whether it’s grazing strategies, soil health, or data-driven decision-making. The discussions that come out of these sessions are invaluable, for visitors and for us as hosts.” His farm is one of many in the TDF network where peer-to-peer learning bridges the gap between research and on-farm application.
The scheme’s extension reflects its role in supporting Northern Ireland’s agricultural sector amid evolving challenges, from climate change to market volatility. By funding the TDFs through the Rural Development Programme’s Innovation Technology Evaluation Demonstration (ITED) Scheme, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) underscores the importance of innovation in securing the industry’s future.
Farmers interested in visiting a TDF can find details of participating farms and booking information on the CAFRE website under *Knowledge Transfer Programmes*. Group visits are coordinated via email at [email protected]. With the booking window now open until late October, the scheme offers a final opportunity this year for producers to explore technologies that could reshape their businesses.
For many, the TDFs have become more than just demonstration sites—they’re a catalyst for change, proving that even incremental adjustments can yield significant gains in efficiency and sustainability. As Kyle puts it: “Seeing is believing. Once farmers witness the impact of these innovations, they’re far more likely to take the leap themselves.”