CAFRE agriculture students gain hands-on insight on Scottish study tour supported by The Gibson Trust

CAFRE Level 3 Agriculture students from Greenmount Campus enjoyed their study tour to Scotland which was generously supported by the Gibson Trust. Pictured on their final day of their three-day tour at Holehouse Farm are CAFRE staff, students and the Logan family who kindly hosted the group.

Final-year students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) at Greenmount Campus have returned from an eye-opening agricultural study tour in Scotland, thanks to a generous donation from The Gibson Trust.

The trust’s support enabled students completing their Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture to visit a series of progressive and diverse farming enterprises across the country.

Split into three groups, students explored a range of innovative agricultural systems, from large-scale data-driven beef units to low-input rotational grazing farms, all offering rich insights into the future of UK farming.

“CAFRE is deeply indebted to The Gibson Trust for contributing to the costs of the study tour for the final year Level 3 Agriculture students at Greenmount Campus.”

Technology and data driving modern beef and dairy farms

At Girvan Mains Farm, near Girvan, students toured a highly diversified 2,000-acre holding run by the Young family. With 4,000 beef cattle, 450 suckler cows, and extensive root crop and cereal production, the farm illustrated how data and technology underpin large-scale agriculture.

Greenmount Level 3 students Liam Doyle (Castlewellan), Jake Burke (Dungannon), Tom Smyth (Ballymoney) and Stuart McCaughern (Ballymoney) were welcomed to Girvan Mains Farm, Girvan by James Young.

Performance metrics allow early identification of underperforming animals, enhancing herd efficiency. The on-site anaerobic digestion (AD) plant, powered by forage crops and manure, supplies renewable energy to the farm and local community.

Participation in the Girvan Early Growers Group also underscored the importance of collaboration in both crop production and marketing.

Robert Sloan hosted Greenmount Level 3 Agriculture students to a visit to Darnlaw Farm, Ayrshire. Exploring the farm are Courtney Swindell (Banbridge), Cahir O’Hare (Kilkeel) and Liam Doyle (Castlewellan).

At Darnlaw Farm near Auchinleck, dairy farmer Robert Sloan introduced students to a 600-acre operation milking 190 Holsteins with robotic systems and 90 Jerseys in a traditional parlour.

Sloan highlighted how automation, quality forage, and high-welfare housing contribute to an impressive 14,000-litre average yield per lactation. The flexibility of introducing Jerseys to meet niche markets demonstrated smart, responsive planning.

“Students left with a strong appreciation for how precision, planning, and innovation drive success in modern dairy farming.”

Diversification and sustainability: lessons from mixed farms

Jo and Andrew Morris welcomed Greenmount Agriculture students to Logie Farm, Fife. Enjoying the breath-taking location are Joshua Willis (Stoneyford), Amy McCullough (Kells), Daniel McCaffrey (Dundrod) and Aimee Lee Morgan (Cabra).

At Logie Farm, students met Andrew and Jo Morris, who manage a 523-acre mixed enterprise with arable crops, a 550-ewe flock, and luxury glamping pods overlooking the River Tay.

The couple shared insights into crop rotation, adaptive livestock feeding, and the benefits of agritourism and public engagement, including their appearance on This Farming Life.

Mains of Logie offered a fascinating location to explore crops, daffodil and beef production. Pictured are Mark Poots (CAFRE Lecturer), Cahir O’Hare (Kilkeel), Jack McDonald (Garvagh), Sarah McMullan (Ballymena), Emma Bell (Kells) and Kiera Stewart (Craigavon).

Nearby, at Mains of Logie, manager Peter Salmon showcased cereal, potato, and daffodil bulb production, supported by renewable energy systems including wind, solar, and biomass.

Students learned how Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) aid herd management in the farm’s suckler and bull beef systems.

Large-scale and low-input livestock operations

Alistair Logan hosted the visit to Holehouse Farm, Kilbirnie where students toured the extensive beef and sheep operations. Pictured are Courtenay Swindell (Banbridge) and Kiera Stewart (Criagavon).

A visit to Holehouse Farm in Kilbirnie allowed students to observe a 4,767-acre mixed enterprise with 280 pedigree Holstein cows, 160 suckler cows, and 1,700 ewes.

The farm uses INRA95 sires and Charolais bulls for effective breeding strategies. Sustainable practices were in evidence, including slurry separators to manage waste efficiently.

The study concluded at Littleton Farm, a 280-acre grass-based operation rearing 130 Aberdeen Angus x Hereford suckler cows without fertilisers or concentrates.

All cattle are outwintered and fed only silage, supporting soil regeneration and animal welfare through rotational grazing.

“The farm’s minimal-input model challenged conventional practices and demonstrated how natural systems can support sustainable and profitable livestock farming.”

Preparing for the future of agriculture

The study tour served not only as an educational experience, but also a chance for final-year students to connect one last time before embarking on their careers. Some will continue into higher education, while others will enter employment or return to family-run enterprises.

CAFRE’s Head of Agriculture Education said the tour exemplifies CAFRE’s mission to provide real-world learning and prepare students for modern agricultural careers.

“Key lessons included the benefits of rotational grazing, the viability of outwintering, and how low-input systems can reduce environmental impact while maintaining productivity.”

CAFRE continues to offer full-time and part-time Agriculture courses for those considering leaving school after Year 12. For more information, visit www.cafre.ac.uk.