Young people in Agri: Erin Marlow

Growing up on her family’s beef farm in County Tyrone, Erin Marlow developed a strong connection to agriculture from an early age. This foundation continued through her studies, with a degree in Sustainable Agriculture at CAFRE, providing Erin with valuable technical knowledge and practical skills for her future career.

​Since graduating, Erin’s passion for farming has continued to grow, alongside her appreciation for the ever-evolving nature of the sector and the people she has met along her farming journey.

​“What I enjoy most is that no two days are ever the same. Farming is challenging, rewarding and continually evolving. I enjoy working with livestock, being outdoors, and seeing the results of the work and decisions that are made throughout the year.

​I also enjoy being part of the wider farming community. Through farming, college and my work experience, I've met some incredible people and built friendships and connections that have been invaluable throughout my journey.”

​Alongside her upbringing on the farm, Erin’s experience working in a local veterinary practice further developed her knowledge of agriculture and animal health, providing her with a broader perspective and appreciation for the industry.

​“Farming was simply a way of life growing up. From a very young age I remember spending time farming with my Granda, whether that was checking or feeding livestock I would be there in the jeep.

​“While I was still young, I started working in a local veterinary practice. Looking back, that was probably the turning point in shaping my future career. It expanded my knowledge of animal health and welfare, introduced me to many farmers across the area, and gave me a real understanding of the wider agricultural industry. I've effectively been farming my whole life, but managing my own sheep flock gave me a completely new insight into the realities and responsibilities of livestock farming.”

​Taking on greater responsibility within her own farming enterprise and working alongside her family has given Erin a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of farmers. She believes that, while the industry is changing, the ambition and enthusiasm among young people remains strong.

​“I don't believe farming is losing its spark. If anything, I think there is still a tremendous passion among young people who are involved in the industry.

​“What we are facing is less a lack of interest and more a challenge around accessibility. Many young people would love to farm but face difficulties around succession, affordability and opportunities to get started.”

​Through her time at CAFRE and her connections across the farming community, Erin has witnessed first-hand the enthusiasm, ambition and drive of young people entering the industry, “I've met some incredibly enthusiastic, innovative and ambitious young farmers. They are embracing new technologies, improving sustainability and constantly looking for ways to move the industry forward. The passion is still there; we just need to ensure that the pathways into farming remain open and achievable.”

​Erin believes this willingness to innovate will be essential as the industry continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Embracing new technologies and techniques can help improve efficiency, support farmers in their daily work and strengthen the sector for the future.

​Despite her optimism for the future of farming, Erin recognises that the industry is not without its challenges. However, she believes there is far more to farming than many people realise. Like many farmers, Erin says the rewards of farming extend far beyond financial gain.

​“Farming can be demanding, and there are long hours, financial pressures and plenty of uncertainty. However, for many people farming isn't simply a job, it's a way of life. There is a unique sense of pride in caring for livestock, producing food and being part of an industry that is essential to society.

​“There is a great sense of achievement in caring for livestock, improving animal performance, producing high-quality food and seeing the results of months of hard work. Managing my own flock has allowed me to experience both the highs and lows of farming first-hand, and those experiences have reinforced my passion for the industry.

​“For those who genuinely enjoy agriculture, the rewards, sense of purpose and connection to the land and livestock make the challenges worthwhile.”

​Erin has a deep appreciation for the farming community and the people who make it what it is. Farming is a demanding profession that requires resilience, commitment and a lot of hardwork. An ethic she has witnessed throughout her life and one she hopes to embody as she builds her own future in agriculture.

​For the future, Erin hopes to “continue building my career within the agricultural industry while further developing my own farming enterprise. Agriculture is constantly changing, so I would like to continue learning, adapting and contributing positively to the sector. Ultimately, I want to be involved in an industry that supports sustainable food production while maintaining high standards of animal health and welfare.”

​Erin's enthusiasm, fresh perspective and commitment provide a strong foundation for her future in agriculture. Her outlook reflects the determination of a new generation of farmers who are keen to embrace change while building on the traditions of the industry.

​For Erin, investing in the next generation is key to securing the future of farming.

​“If I could change one thing, it would be improving support and opportunities for young people entering agriculture. The future of farming depends on attracting and retaining the next generation, and we need to ensure they have access to education, training, mentoring and practical opportunities to establish themselves within the industry.

​The importance Erin places on supporting the future of farming highlights her determination to help shape a sustainable future for agriculture. Encouraging more young people to consider a career in the sector, Erin concluded, “I would encourage young people to explore the many opportunities agriculture has to offer. Modern agriculture is far more diverse than many people realise, with careers ranging from livestock production and crop management to veterinary services, technology, research, sustainability and agribusiness.

​“Agriculture is an industry where you can make a real difference, whether that's producing food, caring for animals or helping to shape the future of farming.”