Mongolian Ambassador visits Greenmount

Recently his Excellency the Ambassador of Mongolia visited Greenmount Campus, CAFRE at Antrim.  The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife.

His Excellency the Ambassador was particularly interested to learn of the work undertaken by CAFRE in the areas of technical training of farmers and knowledge and technology transfer.  Sheep and goats are the two main livestock enterprises in Mongolia.  The Ambassador was able to see first hand examples of the sheep breed improvement programmes at CAFRE and the introduction of electronic sheep identification (EID) with the potential for accurate data capture for flock management purposes.

Of particular relevance to the Ambassador, was the use of the big bale silage for harvesting grass surpluses for use in the winter or when there was a fodder shortage.  Mongolian agriculture is based on traditional nomadic herding, with the flocks of sheep and goats moving around the vast plains grazing the available grasses.  There are times when grass supply significantly out-strips demand and the opportunity to big bale the grass and store for times of need could have a role to play.  The winter of 2009/10 was very severe in Mongolia with temperatures at -40°C or less for several weeks.  It was estimated by the International Red Cross that up to 10 percent of livestock died due to the conditions and the ability to move fodder to alleviate starvation is important.  The Ambassador questioned in detail the technique, the use of additives to improve preservation, storage, vermin control and livestock performance.  

His Excellency the Ambassador thanked CAFRE for allowing both he and his wife to visit the Campus and discuss the various aspects of the work with Ian McCluggage and William McLauchlan.  

His Excellency the Ambassador of Mongolia, His wife Mrs Bulgaa Altangerel, Richard Holmes, Mongolia Consul, Ian McCluggage and William McLauchlan at the front of the Manor House Greenmount Campus CAFRE.