The DUP Agriculture spokesperson was among thousands of visitors to the Irwin family’s farm based on the outskirts of Benburb in County Tyrone.

Ms Lockhart said: “Huge congratulations to Alan, Sylvia, David, Heidi and the entire team at Redhouse Holsteins for hosting such a phenomenal event, which attracted visitors from all over Ireland and Great Britain.

“The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was a great opportunity for farmers and industry representatives to come together with a shared purpose. Alan and David run a top-class dairy farm, comprising of 170 pedigree Holstein cows, each producing an average yield of over 14,000 litres of milk annually.

“Everyone was impressed with the farm, the high-yielding cows and the youngstock. Events such as this are a wonderful shop window for our family-owned farms, world-class genetics and high standards of animal welfare and management.

“As always, I enjoyed meeting familiar faces from my Upper Bann constituency, but I also welcomed the opportunity to chat to farmers from throughout Northern Ireland and further afield.”

Carla Lockhart added: “2025 was a challenging year, and while the agricultural industry stood united and forced the government to do partial U-turn on its damaging farm ‘death tax’, the battle still isn’t won. Changes to APR and BPR are very much to the forefront, but farmers were also keen to engage on other concerning issues such as bovine TB, Bluetongue disease, the freeze on planning permission which is stalling modernisation and betterment, unachievable Net Zero targets and DAERA’s Nutrient Action Programme (NAP).

“It is encouraging to see farmers and industry standing united against government policy. I will continue to fight and speak up in support of farmers and the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland.”

The MP was delighted to meet a number of local social media influencers who work tirelessly to raise the profile of farming and defend the industry. She said: “Well done, you have raised awareness of the issues facing farmers, and highlighted the importance of protecting the environment, food security and our economy. Your input has been invaluable.”

Concluding, the MP said: “Farming families really are the beating heart of our rural communities, and it was overwhelming to see them coming in their droves to support the Redhouse Open Day.

“There was huge support for the charity auction and raffle, and everyone really did ‘dig deep’ to raise much-needed funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. More than £70,000 was raised, which will help the charity sustain its vital Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) which operates 365 days per year. Air Ambulance provides a life-saving service, which is especially crucial for those living in rural areas.

Topping the charity auction at £9,200 was the high genomic four-month-old Holstein heifer calf, Redhouse 3107 Golley Rud Zip 2 ET PLI £781. Carla Lockhart added: “Thank You and well done to everyone who supported and contributed to the success of the event. The Open Day demonstrated the very best of Northern Ireland agriculture, and the generosity of the farming community.”