From a Kells family farm to a future in agriculture: Matthew aims to build on late father’s cattle breeding work

Matthew Arbuckle from Ballymena, believes his placement year and final year research project are helping him prepare for the future of farming.

Saturday 07 November 2026

Ballymena agriculture student Matthew Arbuckle hopes to continue the pedigree cattle breeding work established by his late father while improving the sustainability and profitability of the family farm.

Matthew, from Kells, is entering the final year of his BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture degree at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus, where his studies have taken him from livestock production to feed manufacturing and his own research project.

Raised on a beef and sheep farm, he developed a strong interest in livestock breeding and wants to carry forward his father’s work with pedigree Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle.

A future rooted in the family farm

Matthew took a gap year after his A-levels before deciding to begin his studies at CAFRE.

“The gap year gave me time to think about what I really wanted to do and made me even more determined to pursue a future in agriculture.”

Improving the home farm has remained his main ambition, and he believes the course is helping him work towards it.

“The lectures focus on current and relevant agri-food issues, which makes what we’re learning highly applicable to challenges within the industry.”

Experience beyond the farm gate

A professional work placement at Mason’s Animal Feeds gave Matthew an opportunity to understand another part of the industry.

“I learned how feed manufacturing works behind the scenes, from operating milling equipment to monitoring production processes. It helped me appreciate another important part of the agricultural supply chain.”

Back at Greenmount, he has particularly valued the opportunity to investigate a subject for himself.

“Returning to final year and completing a research project has been a highlight so far. It’s given me the opportunity to carry out my own research, analyse the results and present my findings.”

Anna discovers a career in poultry

Through CAFRE, Anna Short (Magherafelt) discovered a passion for poultry, leading to a scholarship and placement year with Pilgrim’s Europe

For fellow student Anna Short, from Magherafelt, the degree opened up a career direction she had not expected. Growing up on a small sheep farm, she initially imagined a future connected to sheep and dairy farming.

She chose Greenmount after her A-levels so she could remain close to home, keep her part-time job and help on the family farm. An interest in poultry production subsequently led her to apply for a scholarship and year-long placement with Pilgrim’s Europe through CAFRE’s Industry Support Programme.

“My placement allowed me to work across several different teams within the poultry sector of Pilgrim’s Europe, from hatcheries to breeder and broiler operations. Every few months I was learning something completely new.”

Anna hopes to return to poultry after graduation. She said:

“My favourite role was working as a Farm Compliance Manager in County Antrim. I enjoyed getting out to farms, working with producers and making sure standards were being met.”

Brendan sets his sights on animal genetics

Brendan Gilchrist from Downpatrick hopes to expand on his placement experience, working in animal genetics when he graduates from the BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture.

Downpatrick student Brendan Gilchrist, who was raised on a mixed beef and sheep farm, is aiming for a career in animal genetics.

During his Foundation Degree in Agriculture and Technology, he completed a three-month placement with AI Services. His work included handling semen straws, preparing orders, supporting insemination services and working with liquid nitrogen, helping him understand how genetics can influence herd performance and productivity.

Now completing the BSc in Sustainable Agriculture, Brendan has particularly enjoyed the practical challenges of his studies.

“My favourite module has been Farm Buildings and Mechanisation as it combines practical knowledge with problem-solving, which really suits me.”

Jenna explores feed safety and nutrition

After her studies at CAFRE, Jenna Belshaw hopes to secure a career in quality assurance and animal nutrition.

Jenna Belshaw, from Newtownhamilton, grew up on a beef and sheep farm and chose CAFRE after completing her A-levels at Royal School Armagh.

Modules including Sustainable Supply Chains and Animal Welfare and Ethics, alongside farm visits and welfare assessments, have broadened her understanding of the challenges facing agriculture.

Her placement year as a Quality Assurance Technician at Fane Valley Feeds in Omagh involved testing raw materials and finished feeds, with experience in traceability, feed safety, animal nutrition and quality management systems.

“It showed me how important quality assurance is to the wider agricultural industry. I’m interested in both animal nutrition and quality assurance, and my placement helped me realise there are exciting careers available in both areas.”

Julie-Anne follows a different route to a degree

Julie-Anne King reflects on her journey through Greenmount Campus from a starting as Level 3 Agriculture student to progressing onto the BSc (Hons) degree Sustainable Agriculture

Armagh student Julie-Anne King progressed to the degree after completing CAFRE’s Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture, which she began after her GCSEs. Raised on a sheep and suckler beef farm, she brought practical livestock experience to her studies.

“My favourite module has been Sustainable Supply Chains because it gives me a better understanding of how the agricultural industry works from farm to consumer. I enjoy learning about sustainability and how farmers can adapt to changing demands while continuing to produce food efficiently.”

Through CAFRE’s Industry Support Programme, she secured a scholarship and placement with ABP Food Group as an Agri-Sustainability Placement Student. Her responsibilities included organising supplier visits, supporting sustainability projects and attending events and training.

She also visited ABP’s renewable division in Liverpool and took part in Wagyu beef marbling assessments using specialist camera and lighting equipment, gaining experience of how sustainability and product assessment feature in the wider food industry.

Applications for agriculture courses

CAFRE says applications are currently being accepted through UCAS for its Ulster University-validated FdSc in Agriculture and Technology and BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture programmes at Greenmount Campus, Antrim. Information about the courses is available at www.cafre.ac.uk

The students’ ambitions span poultry, genetics, nutrition and sustainability. For Matthew, the next step remains rooted in Kells: applying what he has learned to the home farm and continuing the breeding work his father began.