Celebrating the CAFRE / MSU Exchange

Date published: 2 July 2026

Held as part of the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, the event celebrated the success, impact and legacy of the exchange programme, while reconnecting alumni who shared in its unique experience. With CAFRE preparing to send its 100th student to MSU this autumn, the occasion provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on more than three decades of achievement, personal growth and lifelong friendships.

Since 1994, CAFRE students have had the opportunity to study for a semester at MSU, one of the leading universities in the United States. Each year, four students take part in the programme, gaining invaluable academic, professional and personal experience. However, the true focus of the June event was not just the programme itself, but the people whose lives it has shaped.

More than 25 alumni attended the reunion, sharing stories that highlighted the depth of the programme’s impact. The atmosphere was one of celebration, as former participants reconnected and reflected on the experiences that had influenced their careers and personal journeys.

Among those attending were James Black and Dale McDonald, the first CAFRE students, thirty-two years ago, to take part in the exchange. Their presence added particular significance to the event, illustrating the programme’s long-standing success. Reflecting on his experience, James said: “The MSU experience was life changing. It was the best thing I have ever done and was the reason I secured my first job. I only wish I could do it all again.”

Dominic Mason, a CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser, also shared his positive experience. Having studied Agriculture at Greenmount Campus, he took part in the exchange in autumn 2000. His journey did not end there, as he later returned to MSU for a 12-month work placement, an experience that proved life changing not only professionally, but personally, as he met his future wife. As they say, the rest is history!

For many attendees, the reunion was an opportunity to celebrate not only academic achievement, but personal growth and resilience. Alize McColm reflected on her time at MSU in 2015, when she chose to take a Leadership and Communication module outside her main field of study. The experience pushed her far beyond her comfort zone, including an Ironman style challenge. 

Stories like these were at the heart of the celebration, with alumni describing the exchange as “life changing”, “challenging”, “rewarding” and “an incredible experience”. A strong sense of shared experience connected everyone at the event, regardless of when they had participated.

A common theme throughout was the lasting friendships formed during time at MSU, along with the opportunity to travel and experience life in a different culture. While the academic benefits of the programme are widely recognised, it is the personal development and confidence gained that many alumni value most.

Maeve Owens from Magherafelt, the most recent student to return from MSU, captured the spirit of the programme in her reflections: “CAFRE students are so lucky to have this opportunity. It is a truly unique. It has made me more confident, independent and resilient, while broadening my outlook on life. Would I do it all again? Absolutely.”

As the celebration ended, there was a shared sense of pride in what the programme has achieved and the lives it has impacted. The reunion not only honoured past participants but also highlighted the enduring value of the CAFRE / MSU partnership.

As CAFRE prepares to send its 100th student to Michigan State University, the exchange programme continues to demonstrate the importance of international opportunities in shaping confident, skilled and forward-thinking professionals for the land-based sectors.

For those considering a career in agriculture, equine, food or horticulture and wishing to learn more about the courses available at CAFRE, visit: www.cafre.ac.uk