Cullybackey farmer reaps rewards from CAFRE’s Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations Course

Jack Anderson from Cullybackey who completed the CAFRE Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations course pictured on his home farm.

For Jack Anderson, a farmer from Cullybackey, County Antrim, balancing a career as an electronic software engineer with running a 30-suckler-cow enterprise alongside his father is no small feat.

Yet, his participation in the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)’s Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations course has transformed his approach to farming, equipping him with new skills and technologies to drive his family’s farm forward.

As CAFRE opens applications for the 2025-2026 course, Jack’s story highlights the programme’s value for local farmers.

A course tailored for busy farmers

Jack, like many in Northern Ireland’s agricultural community, juggles multiple responsibilities. The CAFRE Level 2 course, delivered part-time over 20 weeks from October to February, proved a perfect fit.

“I really enjoyed the course and learned a lot,” Jack said. “It suited me that it was held in the evenings as I work off farm during the day. I work as an electronic software engineer and along with my father run a small 30 suckler-cow enterprise selling the progeny as stores.”

The course, which costs £150, is offered at CAFRE’s Greenmount, Loughry, and Enniskillen campuses, with online options for added flexibility. Evening classes, held Monday to Wednesday, cover key sectors such as beef, sheep, crops, and dairying.

For Jack, the focus on grassland production and animal production was particularly valuable, offering practical insights he could apply directly to his Cullybackey farm.

A game-changing farm visit

Jack Anderson from Cullybackey who completed his Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations certificate with CAFRE pictured on his home farm with this father, John.

One of the course’s standout moments for Jack was a visit to TDF farmer Alastair McNeilly’s operation.

“I benefited from the visit to TDF farmer Alastair McNeilly, where I identified several new technologies which I am now adopting on my home farm,” he explained.

These innovations have already begun to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of his family’s suckler-cow enterprise, demonstrating the course’s real-world impact.

Jack also valued the opportunity to connect with other farmers.

“The Level 2 course has enabled me to meet other likeminded farmers and given me the impetus to continue to move the home farm forwards,” he said. “I would thoroughly recommend the course.”

His experience underscores the programme’s role in fostering collaboration and innovation within Northern Ireland’s farming community.

A high-quality programme with proven results

The Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations course has a strong track record, with 176 learners completing it in the 2024/25 academic year.

Kenneth Johnston, Programme Manager at CAFRE, highlighted its success:

“In 2024/25, 176 individuals successfully completed the Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations course. A recent survey of learners showed that 97% were satisfied with the course. They felt they had gained knowledge from participating and would recommend the course to others. They also felt the course will be of benefit to the running of their farm business.”

For farmers like Jack, the course offers not just technical knowledge but also the confidence to implement new strategies.

“The course has given me a broader perspective on how to manage our farm more effectively,” Jack noted, crediting the programme with sparking ideas to improve his family’s operation in Cullybackey.

Join the next cohort

With applications now open for the 2025-2026 course, CAFRE is encouraging farmers across Northern Ireland to apply early to secure their preferred evening and campus.

The programme begins in early October and runs weekly for 20 weeks, with limited spaces available.

“I encourage anyone interested in applying for the Level 2 Certificate course not to miss the opportunity to apply now for study during 2025-2026,” urged Mr. Johnston.

Prospective students can apply online at www.cafre.ac.uk by searching under “Business Support.”

For Cullybackey farmers and others in the region, the course offers a chance to follow in Jack Anderson’s footsteps, gaining skills to enhance their farm businesses while balancing busy schedules.

A Bright Future for Cullybackey Farming

Jack Anderson’s success with the CAFRE Level 2 course is a testament to its value for local farmers. By embracing new technologies and connecting with peers, he is driving his family’s Cullybackey farm toward a more productive and sustainable future.

“The course has been a real eye-opener,” he said. “It’s given me the tools to make meaningful changes and keep our farm moving forward.”

For farmers eager to grow their skills and network with others, CAFRE’s Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations course is an opportunity not to be missed.

Visit www.cafre.ac.uk today to apply and take the first step toward transforming your farm business.