The farm business is owned by Drew and Valerie McConnell and is predominately based on milk production alongside small beef and sheep enterprises.

The McConnell farm is one of 78 Focus Farms throughout Northern Ireland funded under the EU Peace and reconciliation programme. The main objective of a focus farm is to facilitate farmer-led learning using the farm business to promote good production, business and environmental practice.

During a tour of the farm, the Minister said: "I would encourage farmers to make full use of focus farms to further help improve their own farm businesses. For example, on this particular farm, there is a great emphasis placed on breed improvement, while improving cow comfort and welfare.

"Focus farms offer the opportunity to farmers to work directly with both my Department and other farmers to develop innovative methods to improve existing farm systems."

David Cairns continued: "I am very impressed by the dedication and attention to detail which the McConnell's apply to running their farm business, including their proven commitment to successful completion of several of the challenge programmes at CAFRE. They operate a high level of efficiency, achieved through the use of the latest technology."

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