NEWS

Announcing the closing date for the application period for Innovation Farms Kenneth Johnston, CAFRE Innovation Farms programme manager. A new network of Innovation Farms is being launched — and local dairy and beef producers are being urged to step forward before the deadline closes this week. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has opened applications for farmers to become part of its Innovation Farm programme, a key strand of efforts to accelerate

Michaela McBurnie from the Meadows Equestrian Centre with students Emma Brow (Hillsborough) and Ellie Getty (Cloughmills). The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has brought industry and education together at its Enniskillen Campus, hosting an Opportunities in Equine Careers Fair as part of its annual Careers Day to support students planning their future in the equine sector. The Opportunities in Equine Careers Day was designed to help students develop

(L-R) Orlaith McLoughlin, Paul McHenry (Acting Director of CAFRE), Maynard Mawhinney (Chair of the CAFRE College Advisory Group), Cathal O’Donnell, Lawrence Whyte and Stephen Black. Stephen Black, Principal of Ballymena Academy , has been appointed to the CAFRE College Advisory Group, as the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed four new members to the strategic body supporting agri-food and rural education in Northern Ireland. The appoin

Anna Short secured a scholarship through CAFRE’s Industry Support Programme in conjunction with Pilgrim’s Europe. A paid placement year through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Industry Support Programme has helped a Greenmount Campus student gain hands-on experience across the poultry sector and clarify her future career ambitions. Anna Short, a BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture student at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus , secured a scholarship placem

CAFRE trained Apprentice, Jack Johnson from Belfast secured his first Point-to-Point win having recently achieved his Jockey’s Licence. The upcoming Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week (2–6 February) is providing an opportunity to spotlight the achievements of a rising local talent, as former CAFRE Equine Apprentice Jack Johnson celebrates a remarkable journey from classroom to racetrack success. Staff at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) have pr

Crop walks during the ‘Growers’ Gathering’ provided opportunities for useful discussions and viewing of implementation strategies in action at Greenmount Campus, Antrim. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has launched a new series of industry-focused events with the inaugural Growers’ Gathering for Production Horticulture, bringing together growers, researchers and policymakers to address one of the sector’s most pressing challenges – reducing and u

An understanding of the myostatin gene can help producers to make informed decisions about their suckler herd breeding programme. Growing discussion around myostatin genetics is influencing breeding decisions on farms across Northern Ireland, with producers urged to better understand how different gene mutations can impact profitability, animal welfare and labour demands. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) says improved awareness of myostatin can he

Ronnie Duncan from Ballycastle encourages other farmers to compare their business with others through using the CAFRE Benchmarking Tool. Farm businesses that have a clear understanding of where they are performing well – and where improvements are needed – are better placed to strengthen profitability and resilience, according to the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). While farmers cannot control external pressures such as weather conditions, volatile

Minister Muir met Joshua Busteed from Coleraine and Mya Nixon from Ballyclare , Level 2 Horticulture students during a visit to Greenkeeping and Golf Academy at Greenmount Campus. The students are completing a one-year cadetship programme generously supported by Golf Ireland. DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has underlined the growing importance of sustainability and skills development within Northern Ireland’s sports turf sector during a visit to the 2025 Turf Matters event at CA

Ian McMaw, Business Lecturer at the College of Agriculture Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus and Richard Henderson, Head of Agriculture at AbbeyAutoline. AbbeyAutoline has reaffirmed its commitment to the future of Northern Ireland’s agricultural industry by renewing its partnership with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) for the 2025/2026 academic year. As part of the CAFRE Industry Support Programme, AbbeyAutoline will once again o

Presenter Steph McGovern on a farm in Northern Ireland. (Images: BBC / Stellify Media) Filmed at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in County Antrim, a new BBC series is set to uncover the unseen side of rural life — where danger, dedication and resilience meet on Britain’s farms. The 15-part series, Farm 999, launches on Friday 7 November on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer . Presented by Steph McGovern , it takes viewers deep into the chal

Sport Certificate in Horse Care Management learners received their qualifications at the Equine Awards Ceremony at Enniskillen Campus. Pictured are Abbie Thompson from Antrim , Aine Sweeney from Burtonport, Co Donegal, Alisha Cooper from Kells and Maria Elliott from Ballinamallard along with CAFRE Equine Lecturer, Dr Rachel Annan. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) hosted its annual Awards Ceremony on Friday 17 October 2025, celebrating the outstan

CAFRE Level 3 Agriculture students visit Cogent UK in Chester at the start of their three-day study tour of Wales supported by The Gibson...

Beef cattle grazing at the Hill Farm is managed using virtual fence technology. More than 260 visitors braved wet weather to attend the...

Student Recruitment Team, (L-R) Laura Browne, Liz Simpson and Caoimhe Hegarty will be happy to answer your questions. The College of...

CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser John Hamilton. As sheep farmers across Northern Ireland turn their attention to assembling breeding flocks...

Patrick Fee and Robert Edwards, past Greenmount students, are planning the Greenmount Association’s 40 year anniversary reunion for the...

Breeding and management: A crossbred cow and calf at the CAFRE Hill Farm. The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)...

Micheal Finnegan chats through breeding performance with CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser Noel McNeill. Micheal has applied to join the new...

As part of the ABP Angus Youth finalist programme, pupils embark on an international study tour with ABP and Certified Irish Angus....