In Pictures: Agri students are celebrated at CAFRE’s Greenmount campus

Scott Sharkey (Dungannon) was awarded with the 2020 DAERA Prize for being top student on the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land-based Engineering by Mr Bernard McCloskey, Course Manager at the Greenmount Campus graduation celebration.

Staff at the Greenmount campus, Antrim, were delighted to be able to organise a series of smaller celebration events to mark graduations for the classes of 2020 and 2021.

Students from Level 2, Level 3, Foundation and Honours Degree Agriculture and Land-based Engineering courses were applauded by family and friends as they marked the completion of their full-time and part-time courses.

Head of CAFRE education service, Dr. Eric Long, commented: “Graduation is the highlight of our academic calendar, and is a fitting conclusion to a period of hard work and commitment by all of you.

Ben McKinney (Maghera) was awarded with the 2021 Redrock Cup for being the best overall practical engineering student at the Greenmount Graduation by Mr Manus McHenry, Head of Agriculture Education, CAFRE.

“It was immensely disappointing for everyone that we were not able to hold our graduation ceremonies in June over the last two years.

“However, this makes our ceremonies even more special allowing us the opportunity to celebrate your achievements.”

Mr Manus McHenry, head of agriculture education, praised the students for adapting to the “unprecedented challenges and restrictions”.

He continued: “Throughout history, it has not always been the biggest or strongest that have survived - but those who have been the most flexible.

Stephanie Bothwell (Lisbellaw) was awarded the 2020 National Sheep Association Cup and the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster Prize for progress on the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma by Mr Manus McHenry, Head of Agriculture Education at the Greenmount Campus graduation celebrations.

“You have shown your resilience.

“We are proud of your achievements and commitment and you have developed steadily and matured as your course progressed.”

Dr. Long, meanwhile, urged the students to continue with their learning and develop new skills.

“We live in a highly competitive world, where the pace of change and the intensity of competition are never slow,” he stated.

Honours Degree in Agricultural Technology Prize winner Aaron Jones (Londonderry) was congratulated on being awarded the 2020 DAERA Prize and first overall in his Industry Placement receiving a Certificate in Professional Studies by Dr Eric Long, Head of Education Service, CAFRE.

“You will need to keep abreast of new technologies and avail of opportunities in order to succeed.

“As a college we are delighted that we, too, are investing in the future of new entrants to the agri-food industry, with the announcement earlier this year of investment and redevelopment plans at Greenmount Campus.”

Mr McHenry concluded: “The academic performance of CAFRE students graduating is a clear indication of the calibre of people attracted to a career in agri-food.

“Our industry can look forward with a positive outlook knowing there is a pool of talented CAFRE graduates out there.”

Dr Eric Long, Head of Education Service, CAFRE congratulated Claire Young (Dungiven) on being awarded the 2021 Norbrook Cup for performance in animal health whilst studying on the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma course at Greenmount Campus.

If you know of someone who is interested in agricultural or environmental courses or land-based engineering opportunities applications, visit the college website for more information at www.cafre.ac.uk

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