Discover CAFRE

27/08/2026

Alana McKendry from Cloughmills graduated from our BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture degree at Greenmount Campus in June.
💬 “Growing up, I was actively involved on the farm, which developed my interest in agriculture. I came to CAFRE after my A-Levels at Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle.
The course has widened my knowledge of the agriculture industry. It gave me insight into areas I would not have had much experience in previously, such as dairy, pig and poultry production, alongside my background in beef and sheep farming. I have gained a strong understanding of farm business management, including budgeting, financial planning and decision-making.
I enjoyed the farm buildings and mechanisation module as it was different from the more animal-focused modules on the course. It gave me a better understanding of farm infrastructure and machinery, which are important for improving efficiency and overall farm management.”

📍 Find out more about studying Agriculture at Greenmount Campus: cafre.ac.uk/study/agriculture

27/08/2026

📢 Dairy farmers, industry professionals and stakeholders are invited to attend an industry-wide Dairy Conference on Tuesday 20 October at CAFRE Greenmount Campus.
Organised by the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, CAFRE, AgriSearch and the Ulster Farmers' Union, the event will examine how data and research can support profitable and sustainable dairy farming.
Topics include:
🐄 Market signals
🧬 Genetic profiling
🌱 Sustainable dairy production

For more information visit: https://www.cafre.ac.uk/2026/08/27/dairy-council-announces-2026-conference-speakers/

27/08/2026

🚜Apply now for part-time Agriculture evening course 📒

Dungannon Dairy Farmer Mark Kelly says, “I would encourage anyone interested not to miss the closing date for applications for CAFRE’s Level 2 Agricultural Business Operations course”.

CAFRE's part-time agriculture course will be delivered one evening per week over 20 weeks, running from October 2026 to February 2027. With a mix of online and in-person learning, the course offers flexibility while providing valuable practical experience.

Available at Greenmount, Loughry and Enniskillen campuses, with classes in:
✅ Beef ✅ Sheep ✅ Crops ✅ Dairying

For more information and to apply visit: https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-courses/level-2-agricultural-business-operations/

27/08/2026

“To make good genetic progress you need to breed from your best cows.” This is a statement from Albert Wallace who farms along with his son William just outside Tobermore.
Together they have a dairy herd of approximately 115 cows which in the last year had an average yield of 11,600 litres at 4.48% butterfat and 3.64% protein, producing an amazing 940 kg milk solids per cow per year.

To encourage uptake of genotyping and improve the genetic merit and production efficiency of the Northern Ireland dairy herd, genotyping is being supported by the Northern Ireland Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme.
This scheme opens on 1 September 2026 for the genotyping of current and future breeding stock (cows, heifers and bulls) with the genotyping of all calves, male and female, opening on 1 January 2027. Have you considered registering yet? Read more ⬇

The Wallace's recently registered with the Bovine Genetics Project through the Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG) website to improve their herd traits

26/08/2026

🐎 Rosin Moore from Kells, Co. Meath joined our Level 3 Equine Management course at Enniskillen Campus after completing her Leaving Certificate.
Having grown up with horses at home, Rosin was involved from an early age. At just 15, she began working part-time in a racing yard and quickly discovered her passion for the racing industry.

💬 "I knew I wanted to work with horses, gain a qualification doing something I love and pursue a career in the industry. Life at Enniskillen Campus is busy and rewarding. Some classes are practical, so you're down on the yard for an hour or two before heading back to the classroom. You learn a lot through both the practical and theory elements.

Weekends can be just as busy, with opportunities to care for the campus horses, attend shows with the equitation horses and support point-to-point racehorses. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take out my amateur licence and race for the college as well."

📍 Find out more about studying Equine at CAFRE: cafre.ac.uk/study/equine/

26/08/2026

🐴Sarah Jane Sloane, a Level 3 Equine Management student, has recently completed her placement with James Jopling Equestrian, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience in a busy professional yard environment.

During her placement, Sarah Jane developed her practical skills, confidence and knowledge of the equine industry while working alongside experienced professionals. She also had the opportunity to observe the breaking and schooling of horses, providing further insight into the training and development of performance horses.

If you're interested in a hands-on, rewarding and exciting career in the equine industry, take your first step with CAFRE.
📚 From Level 2 courses through to BSc (Hons) degrees, we are here to help find the best course for you. Find out more: cafre.ac.uk/study/equine/

26/08/2026

🏇 Our Racing Club students enjoyed an action-packed year, gaining hands-on experience, expert coaching, race day opportunities and valuable industry insight.

From specialist training with Jockey Coach Paddy Flood to competing at point-to-point meetings across Northern Ireland, students demonstrated skill, determination and outstanding horsemanship throughout the season, earning ‘Best Turned Out’ awards at every meeting attended.

The Racing Club gives students the opportunity to develop practical riding skills, work with racehorses, and gain real racing experience. This year's achievements highlight the dedication, resilience and professionalism of our students, both on and off the track.

🔗 Read more about their year here: cafre.ac.uk/?p=66142

26/08/2026

🐴Maximise your horse grazing potential 🌱

Are you looking to improve your understanding of managing grassland for horses? Join CAFRE's Equine Grassland Management course and gain practical knowledge to help make the most of your grazing land.

Delivered entirely online by Julie McSwiggan, Equine Technologist at CAFRE Enniskillen Campus, this flexible four-week course allows participants to learn at a time and place that suits them.

📅 Start Date: Monday 5 October 2026
⏳ Duration: 4 weeks
💻 Delivery: Fully online

The programme includes:
✅ Interactive lectures
✅ Online discussion groups
✅ Quizzes and assessments
✅ Flexible access to learning materials

This course is ideal for:
🐎 Private horse owners
🐎 Small-scale breeders
🐎 Leisure riders
🐎 Anyone interested in grassland and forage management

No previous experience is required, making it perfect for beginners as well as those wishing to refresh their knowledge.
Develop the skills and confidence to manage horse grazing more effectively while enhancing pasture quality and supporting equine health.
For more information visit the Equine Business Support area of www.cafre.ac.uk
https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-courses/equine-grassland-management-online/

25/08/2026

🎓 Recently received your exam results? Or maybe you're ready for a change in career?

Our horticulture courses offer a fantastic pathway for anyone who enjoys working outdoors, whether that's with plants, sports turf, or natural landscapes. 🌱

With places available from Level 2 through to FdSc, and both full-time and part-time study options, we're here to help you find the course that's right for you.

📩 Get in touch or visit cafre.ac.uk/study/horticulture to find out more

24/08/2026

🌱 Thinking about a career change?

It's not too late to take a new direction with our Ulster University validated Foundation Degree in Horticulture.

Whether you're looking to retrain, upskill or follow a long-held passion with full-time and part-time study options at Greenmount Campus, we can help find the best way for you to return to study.

With careers ranging from garden design and landscape management to environmental conservation and commercial horticulture, there has never been a better time to join this growing industry.

📍 Applications remain open through UCAS Clearing.

Read more about career changer opportunities: cafre.ac.uk/2026/08/24/career-changers-encouraged-to-take-a-new-direction-through-horticulture-at-cafre/