Dunloy farmer inspires future of agriculture at Harper Adams University

Love Ballymena
Mar 26
4 min read

Current Harper Ireland Chairman Liam McKenna with the evening's speaker,the President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster – and Harper Adams University alumnus – Richard Beattie,

Current Harper Ireland Chairman Liam McKenna (left) with the evening's speaker, the President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster – and Harper Adams University alumnus – Richard Beattie,

A young farmer from Dunloy has delivered a powerful message to the next generation of agricultural leaders — telling students they are not just entering the industry, but shaping its future.

Richard Beattie, President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), returned to Harper Adams University as guest of honour at the annual Harper Ireland student society dinner, urging students to embrace both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The former Harper Adams student, who grew up in Co. Antrim, placed local pride firmly at the heart of his message — highlighting the strength of Northern Ireland’s farming community and the role organisations like YFCU play in developing future leaders.

“You are the future of agriculture”

The students and guests assembled at the dinner.

Speaking candidly to students who have crossed the Irish Sea to study, Mr Beattie reflected on his own journey from Dunloy to one of the most influential roles in Northern Ireland’s farming community.

“Harper Ireland is where my memories are fondest,” he said. “I was delighted to hold the role of Treasurer during my time on the Harper Ireland committee, so I appreciate the work that goes into tonight.”

He praised students for stepping outside their comfort zones and highlighted the importance of the tight-knit community formed through societies like Harper Ireland.

But his message quickly turned to the bigger picture — and the pressures facing agriculture today.

“We know the score — agriculture is currently navigating a perfect storm of policy shifts, rising input costs, and the massive task of balancing food security with environmental stewardship,” he said.

“It can feel like the goalposts aren’t just moving — they’re being dug up and replanted in a different field entirely.”

Despite those challenges, Mr Beattie struck an optimistic tone, telling students they are uniquely equipped to lead the industry forward.

“You are the innovation. You are the ones taking the research from the Harper Adams Farm and the labs here and figuring out how to make it work on a hillside in Tyrone or a dairy unit in Cork.

“The future of agriculture isn’t something that happens to us — it’s something you are going to build.”

Leadership, resilience and Northern Ireland roots

Mr Beattie — who studied Agriculture at Harper Adams and was named RABDF Dairy Student of the Year in 2017 — emphasised the resilience at the heart of farming.

He told students their education, combined with the work ethic ingrained in the industry, gives them a powerful advantage.

“Pair that with the tenacious hard work that is bred into your bones, and you become unstoppable,” he said.

“Your education here hasn’t just taught you how to pass an exam; it has taught you how to think, how to lead, and how to adapt.”

His message resonated strongly with students from across Northern Ireland, many of whom will return home to farms and agri-businesses facing rapid change.

New leadership and standout student achievements

Outgoing Chairman, Veterinary Medicine student John-Mark McCrea, and current Harper Ireland Chairman Liam McKenna.

Outgoing Chairman, Veterinary Medicine student John-Mark McCrea (left), and current Harper Ireland Chairman Liam McKenna.

The evening also celebrated student success and leadership within the Harper Ireland society.

Veterinary Medicine student Liam McKenna, from Augher, Co. Tyrone, received the Vice President’s Award and will serve as Chairman for 2026/27.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of Harper Ireland,” he said. “I aim to build on the society’s strong traditions while creating opportunities for new members to get involved and feel welcome.”

Outgoing Chairman John-Mark McCrea reflected on a year of activity, from farm tours and Cheltenham trips to social events including the popular Paddy’s Ball.

“We made a special effort to ensure that new students arriving from Ireland felt welcomed,” he said.

Top honours recognise dedication and contribution

Veterinary Bioscience student Stephanie Jones, from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, was presented with the President's Prize at Harper Adams University by the institution's Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan.

Several students were recognised for their outstanding contributions to university life and the wider Harper Ireland community.

The President’s Award was awarded to final-year Veterinary Bioscience student Stephanie Jones from Enniskillen, recognising her commitment to the student community.

The prestigious John Thompson & Sons Victor Truesdale Prize was presented to Isabel McDowell from Seskinore, Co. Tyrone.

The John Thompson & Sons Victor Truesdale Prize was awarded this year to final year BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science student Isabel McDowell, who is pictured with Mr Truesdale’s son, Edwin, and Basil Bayne of the Harper Adams in Ireland Alumni Association.

The Truesdale Prize — awarded to the Irish student making the greatest contribution to life at Harper Adams — includes a specially commissioned crystal punch bowl and cheque. It was presented by Edwin Truesdale in memory of his father, Victor Truesdale.

“I was really delighted to be chosen as the recipient,” Isabel said. “It was a proud moment — and a great encouragement as I continue my studies in agriculture.”

A generation ready to lead

For students from Ballymena and across Northern Ireland, the message from Dunloy’s Richard Beattie was clear: the future of agriculture will not be decided elsewhere — it will be built by them.

As they prepare to graduate into an industry facing uncertainty, his call to action was simple but powerful:

Work hard, stay resilient — and never lose that Harper Ireland spirit.