CAFRE students reflect on their journeys to a future in agriculture

Date published: 4 November 2026

From practical modules and research projects to professional work placements across the agri-food sector, their experiences have helped shape their career ambitions and provided them with valuable insights into the many opportunities available within the industry.

Matthew Arbuckle

Growing up on a beef and sheep farm, Matthew from Kells, Ballymena developed a strong interest in livestock breeding and is keen to continue the pedigree Blonde d’Aquitaine breeding work established by his late father.

After completing A-levels, Matthew took a gap year before beginning his studies at CAFRE, simply stating: " 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."

His primary goal has always been to improve the sustainability and profitability of the home farm, and he believes the degree has helped him work towards that ambition.

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

His professional work placement at Mason's Animal Feeds gave him a different perspective on 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. 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 Short 

Growing up on a small sheep farm near Magherafelt, Anna originally expected her future to remain closely connected to sheep and dairy farming. After A-levels, she chose Greenmount Campus because it allowed her to stay close to home, continue her part-time work and help on the family farm. 

What has surprised her most about the degree was discovering a strong interest in poultry production. That interest led her to apply for a scholarship and year-long work 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. 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."

After graduation, Anna hopes to return to the poultry industry and continue developing the career pathway she discovered during her studies.

Brendan Gilchrist

Brendan, raised on a mixed beef and sheep farm near Downpatrick, chose to study agriculture as this was where his passion and interests’ lays. 

"There's so much variety within the higher agriculture education programmes at CAFRE. Every semester introduces something new and often areas of agriculture that I knew very little about before. My favourite module has been Farm Buildings and Mechanisation as it combines practical knowledge with problem-solving, which really suits me."

Living on campus also played a major role in his CAFRE experience. "I've met loads of people who share the same interests and have built friendships that I wouldn't have made otherwise."

During his Foundation Degree in Agriculture and Technology studies, Brendan completed a three-month placement with AI Services, gaining experience in animal genetics through handling semen straws, preparing orders, supporting insemination services and working with liquid nitrogen. The placement supported his understanding of how genetics can influence herd performance and productivity. Brendan is currently completing the BSc in Sustainable Agriculture programme and following graduation, Brendan hopes to further develop his career within the animal genetics industry.

Jenna Belshaw

Coming from a beef and sheep farm outside Newtownhamilton, Jenna has always had strong agricultural roots. After completing her A-Levels at Royal School Armagh, Jenna chose CAFRE because of its combination of practical learning and classroom reaching.

She credits modules such as Sustainable Supply Chains and Animal Welfare and Ethics for broadening her understanding of modern agriculture. Through farm visits, welfare assessments and practical investigations, she gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges facing the industry.

She spent her professional work placement year at Fane Valley Feeds in Omagh as a Quality Assurance Technician. 

"I worked as a Quality Assurance Technician, carrying out tests on raw materials and finished feeds to ensure products met required standards. I gained experience in quality management systems, traceability, feed safety and animal nutrition. 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 King

Raised on a sheep and suckler beef farm in County Armagh, Julie-Anne developed a strong interest in agriculture from a young age, gaining hands-on experience and a solid understanding of livestock production.  After her GCSEs, Julie Anne completed the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture at CAFRE before progressing to the BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture degree.

"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, Julie Anne secured a scholarship and professional work placement with ABP Food Group as an Agri-Sustainability Placement Student.

"My role involved a range of responsibilities, including attending events and training courses, organising supplier visits, and supporting sustainability projects. One highlight was visiting ABP's renewable division in Liverpool, which gave me an insight into the importance of sustainability throughout the supply chain. I also had the opportunity to take part in Wagyu beef marbling assessments using specialised camera and lighting equipment. The placement was a fantastic opportunity to develop both my skills and industry knowledge.”

Reflecting on their time at CAFRE, these students highlight the value of combining academic study with real-world industry experience. Through lectures, practical learning, research projects and professional work placements, they have developed the technical knowledge, confidence and transferable skills needed to pursue a range of careers across the agri-food sector. As they prepare to graduate, they leave not only with a qualification, but with the practical experience and industry connections that will support them as they take the next step in their careers.

If you are interested in a career in the agriculture industry, CAFRE offers many pathways including Ulster University-validated FdSc in Agriculture and Technology and BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture programmes, delivered at Greenmount Campus, Antrim. Applications are currently being accepted via UCAS. To find out more about our range of programmes, visit the CAFRE website.