Degree: “I am a second year Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies student at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). I have also completed the level three extended Diploma in Agriculture at the College of Agriculture Food, and Rural Enterprises (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus.”

Queen’s University Belfast: “As an agricultural technology student, I have picked up skills which I can implement on my own farm through science-based lectures and the business tools needed to do well in this sector. Learning how to manage your business is as important as the on-farm work.”

Mena McCloskey is a second year Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies student at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).

Our farm: “We run a 20-cow pedigree Angus herd on 72 acres near Dungiven. The cows are spring-calving and the calves are reared to stores. We also rear 20 dairy bull calves annually and sell them in the local mart at 14 months. Every March we buy around 75 store lambs and sell them again in August. Having the same customers coming back every year lets us know we are doing well.”

Agriculture and women: “Being a woman entering into agriculture can be daunting at first. In the past there weren’t many of us but it’s nice to see women coming forward and to know they won’t be stereotyped. Young girls considering a career in agriculture just have to look to the successful women in this sector and draw inspiration from them.”

Mena McCloskey.

Experience: “Last summer I worked on a beef and arable farm near Aberdeen in Scotland. The farm had 1,000 acres and grew daffodil bulbs for flower markets. I gained experience in picking the flowers and bulbs which turned out to be a lot like harvesting potatoes.”

Future goals: “After completing my degree at Queen’s University I hope to work in supply chain or nutrition. Ideally my future job will also allow me to continue farming.”

Quotable quote: “Doing well in college is simply taking the time to learn the notes. At the end of the day, lecturers won’t test you on something they haven’t taught you.”

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