2026 Spring Visit

Ulster Grassland Society Spring Farm Walk Set for Co Down

The Ulster Grassland Society warmly invites farmers, industry professionals and anyone with an interest in grassland management to attend its Spring Meeting on Tuesday 21st April 2026 at the farm of Gordon & Lynda Mitchell between Dromore and Banbridge in Co Down

This popular seasonal event offers a valuable opportunity to see a highly efficient and progressive dairy system in action. Attendees will be welcomed from 11:00am with tea / coffee on arrival followed by the farm walk which begins at 11:30am. A BBQ lunch will follow on-farm at approximately 1:30pm. The cost is £5 for UGS members and £10 for non-members

Now in its third generation, the Mitchell family farm extends to 140 acres of productive grassland and supports a herd of 90 Holstein Friesian cows. The business is firmly focused on improving lifetime yield while maximising the use of home-grown forage. Efficiency underpins every aspect of the system – from streamlined labour usage at just 1.5 labour units, to nutrient management through regular soil testing and tailored fertiliser applications designed to optimise grass growth

Grass measuring and budgeting play a central role in the farm’s success, with tools such as AgriNet supporting informed decision-making. Animal health is also a priority, with careful, targeted use of antibiotics ensuring high standards of welfare while minimising overall usage. The Mitchells’ overarching aim is to maintain a profitable, sustainable dairy enterprise that makes the most of its natural resources

The Mitchells’ believe they need to ‘measure to manage’ with key focus areas during the visit being soils; grassland management and heifer rearing

The Society is grateful to event sponsors AI Services (NI) Ltd and Dale Farm for their support

Animal Health & Biosecurity
In the interest of preventing disease spread, all visitors are asked to arrive with clean wellington boots and clean clothing that has not been used on their own farms

Booking
For catering purposes attendees are asked to book their place(s) in advance – by completing the boking form or by contacting the Society Secretary Andrew Morrison by phone or text on 07979 703657 or by email at secretary@ulstergrassland.co.uk

Directions

The farm is accessed off the AI Belfast – Dublin road – Travelling Southbound take the Katesbridge exit after Dromore onto the Barronstwon Road and the farm lane will be signposted on the right or Travelling Northbound just over 3 miles from Banbridge take the exit signposted for Katesbridge onto the Barronstown Road with the farm lane immediately on the RHS

* Given the heavy traffic on the AI at all times visitors are encouraged to use this entrance / exit to the farm rather than crossing the dual carriageway onto the farm entrance on the AI
For SatNav the postcode is BT324HQ or What3Words is senders.claw.pillow (Entrance off Barronstown Road)

Ulster Grassland Society President Ivor Lowry said “this visit promises to be an informative and enjoyable event showcasing practical, efficient dairy farming at its best” and looks forward to welcoming visitors to the Mitchells farm on 21st April when all will be welcome