CAFRE students gain real-world insights on UK agriculture study tours supported by The Gibson Trust

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 Trust.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has paid tribute to The Gibson Trust for a substantial donation which enabled final-year students to take part in UK-wide study tours.

The funding supported Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture students at Greenmount Campus, who were divided into three groups to embark on three-day tours across Wales and parts of England.

CAFRE said the initiative offered students the chance to connect classroom theory with practical farming, while engaging directly with leading enterprises across genetics, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and farm diversification.

A CAFRE spokesperson said:

“The tour provided a unique opportunity for students to connect classroom theory with real-world practice, engage with the industry, and reflect on the future of sustainable agriculture.”

Genetics and innovation in livestock breeding

The first stop was Cogent UK in Chester, a global leader in bovine genetics. Students explored artificial insemination, genomic selection, and sexed semen technology. Laboratory tours highlighted the rigorous biosecurity and quality control measures involved in modern livestock breeding.

The visit deepened understanding of how genetics can enhance herd health and productivity, while also raising awareness of the ethical considerations of genetic selection.

Regenerative agriculture and sustainability

Level 3 students Adriana Davis (Coagh), Rachel McAdoo (Loughgall) and Ieuan Plant (Fivemiletown) pictured at Grosvenor Estate dairy farm.

On the second day, students visited Grosvenor Farms, one of the UK’s most advanced dairy operations. Here they learnt how regenerative practices such as soil health management, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity can be applied at scale.

The use of solar panels and anaerobic digestion to power operations offered a real-world example of sustainability in action.

Later that day, students travelled to Dinmore Estate in Hereford, where they observed rotational grazing systems, breeding strategies, and the integration of livestock and crop production.

Dinmore Estate manager Richard Bartle welcomed Level 3 Agriculture students to the farm. Pictured with CAFRE staff Andrew Reid and Phelim Savage and students Jacob McAuley (Ballyclare) and Kris McGookin (Ballyclare) as they reviewed the pedigree Limousin herd.

The estate’s equine centre and arena further demonstrated diversification in farming models.

Grass-based farming and rural diversification

At Fferam Gyd in Anglesey, students Emily Kearney (Downpatrick) and Shauna Rogan (Ballynahinch) enjoyed meeting new additions to the family farm.

The final day saw students visit Fferam Gyd in Anglesey, a family-run farm with 120 suckler cows and 550 ewes. The enterprise emphasises grass-based livestock systems and pasture management, finishing animals on grass for sustainability.

Diversification, including wind turbines and a self-catering cottage, showcased how rural businesses can support financial sustainability and tourism.

Preparing for the future of farming

CAFRE said the tours were both educational and inspiring, offering insights that will shape the students’ future roles in the agri-food industry.

The college extended its gratitude to Cogent UK, Grosvenor Farms, Dinmore Estate and Fferam Gyd for their hospitality, and to The Gibson Trust for its vital financial support.

CAFRE added:

“The tour also provided the opportunity for students to connect with each other one final time as a group, before embarking on their own career paths.”

Some students will now move on to higher-level study, others into employment, while many will return to their home enterprises.

CAFRE continues to offer a wide range of full-time and part-time courses in Agriculture for school leavers after Year 12. More information is available at www.cafre.ac.uk.