CAFRE graduate reflects on successful start to agricultural career

Looking back on his journey, Joshua reflects on the experiences, opportunities and achievements that helped shape his career.

"I come from a dairy, suckler and sheep farm outside Omagh, where we run a herd of Holstein cows alongside a small pedigree Limousin herd.

“After finishing my GCSEs, I enrolled at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus and successfully completed the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture. My time on the Level 3 programme gave me an excellent balance of practical and academic learning and confirmed that agriculture was the career path I wanted to follow.

“One of the highlights of my Level 3 programme was completing a year-long placement on the dairy farm of Stuart Simpson at Hillhall Farm in Lisburn. Working on a progressive dairy farm allowed me to develop practical skills and experience modern farming practices.

“Following my Level 3 studies, I progressed onto the Foundation Degree in Agriculture and Technology, graduating in June 2025. I particularly enjoyed the Ruminant Production Systems and Farm Buildings and Mechanisation modules. As part of the Foundation Degree programme, I completed a three-month placement with Trouw Nutrition, where I had the opportunity to shadow nutritionists and further develop my understanding of ruminant nutrition. This experience confirmed that ruminant nutrition was the area of agriculture that I wanted to pursue professionally.

“After graduating, I joined Trouw Nutrition full-time and spent a year working with the company. More recently, I have moved to Gortavoy Feeds & Farm Supplies, where I now work as a Ruminant Nutritionist. The experiences I gained at CAFRE has played a significant role in helping me reach this point. My studies developed both my knowledge and my passion for ruminant nutrition, giving me the interest to build a career in the sector.

"If you are considering studying at CAFRE and are interested in a career in agriculture, I would recommend it. The experience you will gain and the people you will meet will be invaluable.”

Throughout his studies at CAFRE, Joshua demonstrated a strong commitment to developing his knowledge, skills and practical experience within the agriculture industry. His dedication was recognised nationally when he was named Agriculture Higher Education Learner of the Year at the 2025 LANTRA Land-based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards.

Accompanied by fellow CAFRE nominees and one of his lecturers, Joshua attended the awards ceremony to celebrate this significant achievement. CAFRE is delighted that Joshua’s hard work and commitment have been recognised nationally and are reflected in the strong start he has made to his career within the agriculture sector. His success highlights the value of embracing the opportunities available through education, industry engagement and continual personal development.

Looking ahead, CAFRE will once again be represented on the national stage, with three students progressing to the finals of the 2026 LANTRA LBEL Awards in December. Their achievement in reaching the finals continue CAFRE’s reputation of student achievements and highlights the talent, dedication and ambition of learners across the college.

Applications for CAFRE’s Further Education and Higher Education programmes in Agriculture are currently open. Whether you are searching for options after GCSEs or A-Levels, CAFRE offers a range of programmes designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career. Visit: www.cafre.ac.uk to find out more and apply.