Agriculture has long been woven into the fabric of life in NI, forming the backbone of rural communities and local economies

Belfast Telegraph

4 days ago

Today's farmers are facing an increasingly complex set of challenges — from climate change and rising input costs to labour shortages, environmental regulations, and shifting market demands.
Extreme weather events and changing rainfall patterns are putting added pressure on productivity and land use, while consumers and policymakers alike are demanding higher standards of animal welfare, traceability, and environmental stewardship.
In response, many farmers across Northern Ireland are adapting by investing in precision technologies, improving soil health, diversifying income streams, and adopting more sustainable practices. These efforts are not only helping to future-proof their businesses, but also contributing to a more resilient, climate-smart food system for the region and beyond.
Agriculture has long been woven into the fabric of life in Northern Ireland, forming the backbone of rural communities and local economies.
It's a heritage built on hard work, deep knowledge, and respect for the land. But as the world changes, so too must farming — evolving to meet shifting consumer expectations, embrace new technologies, and navigate the growing demands of a global market.
In line with this vision, Bank of Ireland — now in its 200th year — will again be partnering with the Ulster Farmers' Union as the headline sponsor of its annual awareness initiative, Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend.
The free-to-attend event will run from June 13 to 15 across 20 working farms throughout Northern Ireland and is expected to attract up to 15,000 visitors. The theme for this year reflects both the legacy of agriculture in Northern Ireland and the path forward for the sector.
From dairy and beef to poultry, vegetables and arable, the farms in each county involved represent the diversity and depth of Northern Ireland's agri-food industry.
Visitors will have the chance to go behind the farm gate and experience everyday farming life — to learn about the work involved in food production, explore new technologies being adopted on farms, and better understand the future skills, infrastructure and thinking that will be essential to the next generation of farmers.
One such example is Littlebridge Farm Fresh, located just outside Coagh, Co Tyrone.
This 90-cow Jersey dairy farm is a modern operation where cows are milked using a Lely robotic system.
The farm also runs a popular farm shop, selling its own produce alongside locally sourced goods — including fresh Jersey milk from a self-serve vending machine.
Littlebridge Farm Fresh is a prime example of how farms are embracing diversification, innovation, and direct engagement with consumers as they plan for the future. And it's only one of the many ways farms are thinking ahead — demonstrating how Northern Ireland's agricultural sector is actively shaping the future of food and farming through innovative practices, forward-thinking approaches, and a commitment to sustainability.
Farming in Northern Ireland is not only a cornerstone of our economy — it's a living part of our society. This year's Open Farm Weekend theme challenges us to reflect on that heritage and ask what comes next.
Our farmers are already thinking ahead, and this event gives the public a unique opportunity to join that conversation, meet farming families, and better understand the future of farming and food.