Barenbrug Establishes Own Grass Breeding Program in Cheshire
What happened
Barenbrug has established its own grass breeding program at its 55ha site in Knutsford, Cheshire. This move allows the company to improve its grass varieties and seed mixtures without relying on an external breeding partner. The new program builds on more than three decades of grass breeding in the UK.
Why it matters
The program is designed to focus on forage yield and quality, developing mixtures that can cope with changing weather conditions and maintain production values. Previously, Barenbrug's partnership with a program in Northern Ireland resulted in over 50 varieties being added to the Recommended List, leading to cumulative grass yield increases of more than 0.5% a year.
Grassland resilience efforts are being implemented across the UK and Ireland.
Who's involved
- David LintonCommercial manager for agriculture at Barenbrug, overseeing the new program
- KnutsfordLocation of the new grass breeding program
- Northern IrelandLocation of Barenbrug's previous grass breeding partnership
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Northern IrelandSpeculative
The research sector in Northern Ireland might face lost contract revenue due to the end of the partnership
- CheshireSpeculative
Cheshire could attract investment due to the establishment of a new specialized agricultural R&D facility
- KnutsfordSpeculative
Knutsford might attract investment and jobs as the site of the new grass breeding program