Kerrie Smyth is an agricultural science student in University College Dublin. She started gaining farming responsibility from a very young age, feeding calves from the age of nine and milking cows at 14.

“Growing up we spent a lot of time on my neighbour’s dairy and suckler beef farm and it’s there I developed my interest in farming,” she says.

The third-year student is specialising in animal science and is currently on work experience at Beech Hill farm in Mountrath, Co Laois – a pedigree Limousin herd of 650 head, where embryo transfer is being practised. Her studies have really come into play during her time on placement.

“I had an animal reproduction module in first semester of third year so I was very excited to see the reproduction methods we learned about being put into action.”

Beech Hill farm also shows a lot of pedigree cattle, so Kerrie is involved with training the stock.

Two weeks ago, Kerrie was interviewed by TV3’s Ireland AM, alongside former rugby player John Hayes and Brian Rohan, founder of Embrace FARM, who lost his father two years ago in a farming accident. Farm safety was the topic of discussion, with Kerrie representing women, Macra na Feirme and the younger generation of the farming community.

“I think more emphasis needs to be put on the practical element of health and safety courses for young people, as many zone out when a lot of theory is thrown at them, they do not realise the danger until they can see the effects in front of them, using dummies and dangerous scenarios.”

Kerrie also has had huge involvement with Stabannon Macra na Feirme, Co Louth, where she has the role of PRO.

“I am involved in recruiting new members to our club. The ratio of boys to girls is about 80 to 20,” she says. “However, I have found in recent times that more girls are wanting to gain membership. This coincides with the rise in the number of females entering into agriculture.”

As well as placement, Kerrie milks a herd of 260 cows every Sunday for a farmer in Monasterboice, Co Louth, and works every Saturday at O’Dowd Veterinary practice in Ardee, Co Louth.

As for plans post-college, she says her interests lie in animal health and reproduction, and she hopes to do a master’s in animal nutrition, possibly in UCD.

“My work placement has been incredible,” Kerrie says.

“It has really linked up what we learned in the lecture halls with the practical side of things and has given me a great sense in the direction I want to go when I qualify next September.”