In January 2016 I began an eight-month journey outside the grounds of University College Dublin (UCD) as I embarked on my professional work experience module. As an undergraduate of agricultural science at UCD, the professional work experience module offers me a unique opportunity to develop and enhance my skills in the wider area of agriculture.

Specialising in the animal and crop production section of agricultural science at UCD, I have spent the last three months working on various farming enterprises dotted primarily around Co Meath. However, for the next six weeks I will be travelling and working overseas in a completely new environment and culture. With a background in livestock production, I wanted to experience and understand the downstream animal processing industry and the role it plays in converting our farm animals into food for today’s consumer. I used extended contacts in the agricultural industry that resulted in this great opportunity to work with Dawn Meats in Yorkshire.

Reasons for working in Dawn Meats

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The opportunity to work with one of the leading players in today’s intensely competitive meat industry appealed to me for a number of reasons.

Coming from a mixed farming background, I have a keen interest in our beef industry. By working in the industry I hope to gain an insight into beef processing, various meat cuts, criteria and categorisation, meat by-products as well as existing and potential future markets. I believe that by working in industry, as well as in primary agriculture, I can enhance my knowledge and understanding of the agricultural sector, with particular relevance to beef.

The meat industry is also a source of employment for agricultural graduates upon departing from UCD, and hopefully my stint in the UK will offer me an insight into the roles and responsibilities of agricultural graduates who pursue a career with meat companies.

They say first impressions last, and if the cliché is anything to go by, I’m sure my six weeks here will be hugely beneficial.

The welcoming nature of the people, the skills and intricacies of the job the workers have thus far shown to me, as well as the overall experience of travelling and working in a foreign country away from home, I believe will enhance my knowledge and understanding of the industry and stand to me as a life experience.

James Meade is an agricultural science student at UCD and travels on the professional work experience programme supported by the Irish Farmers Journal and the Agricultural Science Association.