Young People in Agri: Sam Maxwell

At home, the Maxwell family runs a high-yielding pedigree Holstein herd with a strong focus on genetics, performance and continual improvement. Alongside producing milk from the commercial herd, the family also breeds high-type animals for the show ring, with cattle competing at local and regional events. The farm also operates a multi-cut silage system to maximise forage quality and as well as growing a small acreage of winter wheat for wholecrop.

“We run a high yielding pedigree holstein herd which are housed all year round. The last few years we have used genomic testing, milk recording and classification to help with breeding decisions on the farm. We use sexed semen on our top heifers and a few select cows to breed our replacements with the rest being served to beef, with beef calves being sold at 4-6 weeks old. We select bulls with high kg of butterfat and protein as well as a relatively high milk yield, we also pick bulls with increased chest width, good feet and legs and a good udder. We also try and breed a few show heifers every year to show at local shows such as Clogher Valley and regional ones such as the NI multi breed calf show. We run a multi cut system for silage where we try to get 4 cuts each year as we have found this has drastically improved the performance of the milking herd. We also grow a small quantity of winter wheat each year to cut as wholecrop.”

Modern technology is becoming an increasingly important part of dairy farming, and Sam believes it will play a key role in helping young farmers improve efficiency while creating a better balance between work and personal life.

“I think the use of technology is going to improve the profitability and work life balance for young farmers.”

However, while Sam is keen to embrace new developments within agriculture, his passion for farming was built on the foundations laid by previous generations. Spending much of his childhood helping his father and granda on the family farm gave him an early insight into the dedication required in agriculture, while also sparking his ambition to breed top-quality cattle.

“I enjoy being fit to breed the next generation of cattle with the chance it could be the next top figure or show winning calves. I also enjoy being outside and working with stock.”

Having grown up surrounded by farming, Sam credits much of his development to the support and guidance of his father and granda, who have encouraged him to take on responsibility from a young age.

“I want to carry on their legacy. My whole family has been very supportive whether it has been running me and my sister to shows when we were younger or my dad letting me make such big decisions on the farm at a young age.”

Like many young farmers, Sam's days involve balancing several different commitments, from college assignments to responsibilities on the family farm.

“In farming there is no typical day, but this is what a normal day would look like. When I first go up to the yard, I normally go round and check all the stock before feeding. Once feeding and milking is finished I go and get my breakfast and plan out my day. Once I have my day planned out I will go and do the necessary jobs such as field work, cleaning out sheds, and sorting cattle. Then whenever it's time for evening milking which dad and granda would normally do, I would finish up feeding and head down home for the evening.

“It isn't always easy to balance it all, especially during the winter months when we have all the cows calving at the same time assignments can be due. Sometimes relationships have to take a backseat when I have a lot on my plate.

“Having a good work life balance is important to try to keep your head right when life is so busy and hectic at home.”

Despite the challenges that come with farming, Sam remains passionate about the industry and recognises that some of the biggest lessons are learned through experience. For him, patience is one of the most important qualities a farmer can have, with improvements in areas such as breeding and farm development often taking years of commitment before results can be seen.

“If you want to get rich quickly, don’t farm. In all seriousness, the biggest learning curve I've had is that things don't happen overnight , whether it is breeding stock or farm improvements; it takes years of hard work.”

“During times like this when milk is such a bad price and the government has so much red tape in farming you can sometimes question if ‘i‘m wise going into farming or not’, but I couldn't imagine doing anything else.”

However, while patience is essential in farming, Sam acknowledges that the uncertainty facing the industry can make young farmers question the path they have chosen. Low milk prices, increasing regulations and rising pressures across the sector have all added challenges for those trying to build a future in agriculture.

“The amount of paperwork and unnecessary hurdles that have to be crossed to reach government regulations means farmers don't have as much time to farm as they would like.”

He also believes his generation faces a different set of pressures compared to those who came before them, “I think there is more pressure on our generation due to rising costs and reduced income.”

Looking beyond traditional farming roles, Sam believes the future of agriculture will offer opportunities for young people with a passion for the industry.

“I definitely think there are a lot of roles available in the agriculture sector such as nutritionists, farm advisors and sales reps. People interested in agriculture who may not necessarily have the ability to farm full time can still work in agriculture.”

While Sam is realistic about the challenges facing the dairy sector, his passion for agriculture remains clear. Although farming full-time on the home dairy farm may not currently be sustainable, he is determined to build a career within the wider agricultural industry.

“Unfortunately the way farming has gone it is not sustainable to farm the dairy farm at home full time, hence why I am currently studying to find work within the agriculture sector.

“Farming is probably the most rewarding job that you could do as you get up every day and know that your work is able to feed people and keep the nation going. I definitely think that no matter how difficult farming can be, I don't think you should just walk away for another job.”