1Tell me a bit about your farm and farming system?

I work on my family farm alongside my father Phil, outside Navan, Co Meath. On this farm, we run a pedigree herd of Hereford cows whose progeny are mainly sold for breeding as bulls and heifers. We sell the heifers as replacements and the bulls are sold to local dairy farmers around the area.

The majority of the bulls are sold to repeat customers who are generally satisfied with their previous purchase. We still bring the odd heifer or bull to sales, as it’s a good indicator for me on how our stock is performing compared to other breeders. It’s hard to beat the buzz of a show and sale.

2How did you become involved in farming?

From a very young age I was always in a farming environment, which I loved. I grew up watching my father going to shows, which really triggered the beginning of my interest in showing cattle.

I was given my first pedigree heifer for my sixth birthday, called Pompeii. Just 11 months after receiving this heifer, she went on to win the overall champion title at the Trim show. This day often replays in my memory and I think it’s the push I needed to get so involved in the young stockperson community.

3Why Herefords?

My grandfather has been breeding Herefords in the family since the 1930s, so there has always been a strong interest in the Hereford breed. When many people became more interested in continental breeds, my father would always say, “stick at what you’re good at” so we did.

In my opinion, they’re a very versatile breed, which can be useful for both suckler beef and dairy farmers. They are extremely easy to work with, which is a very important aspect in what I do when showing cattle. I’m delighted to see lately that more young people are becoming interested in showing pedigree Herefords.

4Why did you decide on a career in agriculture?

I decided on a career in agricultural science long before my CAO application was made. Even talking to my primary school teacher recently, she commented how I always had a passion for agriculture.

The range of agricultural courses around the country is phenomenal for anyone with an interest in a career in the sector. I loved studying [a degree course in] sustainable agricultural science in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) and I am lucky with the friends I have made and people I met along the way by choosing a career in agricultural science.

5How did you become interested in showing cattle?

From an early age I was introduced to showing pedigree Herefords and all the excitement for upcoming shows. After receiving my first pedigree Hereford heifer and watching my father show cattle from an early age, I was sort of destined to have an interest, I think.

Bringing Pompeii to many shows across the country, including Trim, Oldcastle and Virginia, created great memories during my childhood. Showing cattle became my favourite hobby and the community of lifelong friends I met throughout the country really added to the experience.

6Any tips for prospective show enthusiasts?

My main advice to young stock people is not to be afraid to get involved and to get in contact with people who are showing, especially if you don’t have a background in showing cattle.

There’s great groups of people showing cattle that would be more than willing to teach you the ropes.

Even when I was younger, there was no Hereford youth development group, which has really only been established lately.

However that didn’t stop me from getting involved, so I made sure to join the Angus youth development group in 2011, whom I learned lots from. It has also developed into my career path today.

7What’s important when showing an animal?

With anything in life, I think it’s important that you enjoy what you’re doing, especially showing cattle. In the days coming up to a show, I would be very nervous, but I always remember how lucky I am to be there.

I love attending shows and I feel that this can shine through when you’re up there with your animal.

Another piece of advice would be to practice as much as possible and have good presentation for shows, as it makes you more confident in yourself.

Knowing your animal is important and [this] can really be half the battle when it comes to those big days.

8Are you looking forward to shows in 2022?

Yes, big time. I think you don’t realise how big of an impact it is on your life until it’s gone. There’s people I haven’t seen in over three years and I’m so excited to get back talking to them in the near future.

I’m really looking forward to this year and I feel that there’s an air of excitement about after the long wait due to Covid-19. I hope that people will embrace it and be thankful for the shows being underway again. It’s important to remember the success of shows is down to the volunteers who give up their time.

Being part of the Royal Meath Show, we have a committee with a wealth of experience. There is always someone to turn to for advice and I am looking forward to organising more with them this year.

9What do you think the future is like for shows?

I think the future for shows it positive, as both young and old people involved have a great passion for showing cattle. However, I would like to see more younger people getting involved in shows.

I just fear that after a two-year absence that many of the older generation may step back. So it will be important for young people to step up and get involved in their local showing committees. I have recently joined the North Eastern Irish Shows Association committee, which I find really fulfilling as I enjoy getting opinions on showing from young likeminded people.

10Tell us about your current job.

I have been working for the Certified Irish Angus group since November 2020, which involves carrying out inspections in factories and audits. Recently, I have been involved in the new breed improvement programme, which aims to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of 10,000 active farmer members.

This was launched by purchasing Drumcrow Tribesman at the Irish Angus Elite sale in December last year, with the aim of improving the quality of animals that members produce. I am excited to be involved in this work and am looking forward to the future.

11Would you recommend anybody to choose an agricultural degree/career?

Yes, I would highly recommend anyone to consider a career in agricultural science. There really is something to suit everyone in the agricultural sector, due to the wide range of courses throughout the country.

I studied sustainable agriculture in DKIT and Ballyhaise due to its location and wide variation of course content. It provides students with a good knowledge base to further themselves in their preferred area of agriculture.

I think the placements in the course give students a good opportunity to see what they prefer working with and a good opportunity to make loads of useful connections.