Degree: “I am a final-year animal science student at University College Dublin (UCD) with a passion for progress within the animal reproduction field. My family have been working our land for five generations and this programme allows me to carry on the tradition with fresh ideas.”

Our farm: “We are a mixed farm enterprise working on 120 acres of Wexford land. We keep 45 suckler cows and 65 pedigree ewes, grazing alongside our thoroughbred horses. With the current situation in the beef industry, we aim to increase our sheep numbers in place of a reduction to our suckler herd.”

The aim is to increase sheep numbers and reduce the number of suckler cows on the farm.

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Sheep: “The farm has two pedigree flocks composed of 40 Suffolk and 25 Texel ewes. The Bannow Suffolk flock was established by my late grandmother in 1962, starting with five pet ewe lambs. I established the Bannow Texel flock in 2015, coinciding with the rise in interest for the Dutch breed of sheep. Both breeds provide an excellent cross for commercial ewes, with many of the progeny entering crossbred flocks.”

Clem Rossiter with judge John Donohoe and Richard Moore, chair of the Irish Suffolk Sheep Society. Rossiter's ewe lamb was first in her class at the national championships in Kilkenny this year.

Equine: “We keep National Hunt broodmares with a dream to one day breed a Gold Cup winner. It's a hobby as well as a business and provides many exciting days out on the racetrack.”

Clem Rossiter and his family breed thoroughbreds as well as keeping sheep and sucklers.

AI technician: “I completed a DIY artificial insemination (AI) course in 2015, which was funded by my secondary school, Good Counsel College in New Ross, Co Wexford. In 2016, I began working with Eurogene AI in my local area. This experience has helped with my college modules and has given me a hands-on opportunity to put theory into practice.”

Future goals: “After completing my animal science degree at UCD, I aim to further my knowledge of agriculture through a masters or PhD. Eventually, I would like to someday return home and work part-time on our farm.”

Quotable quote: “The thing I love most about breeding horses is everyone has the chance to produce a superstar. Hard work, persistence and a little luck breeds a champion.”