IN 2017, GrassCheck will once again be monitoring grass growth and providing weekly forecasts of grass growth rates.

However, 12 new pilot dairy and 18 beef farms are now being sought to help monitor regional differences in grass growth rate and quality across Northern Ireland.

These farms will be required to measure grass each week throughout the grazing season. Regular grass samples will also be taken for analysis.

Each of the dairy pilot farms will also have an automatic weather station installed, which will measure key meteorological data such as temperature, rainfall and soil moisture.

If you would like to know more about becoming a pilot dairy or beef farm visit www.agrisearch.org where an information pack and application form can be downloaded. Deadline for applications is 12pm, Wednesday, January 4.