Two students from the Armagh area were among a group who travelled to England to see how modern farms are using innovation, sustainability and diversification to remain competitive. William McMahon from Armagh and Rosie Jennings from Richhill took part in the study tour with fellow CAFRE agriculture students Harry Wilson from Moy and Maya Kyle from Portglenone.
The students, who are studying for the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture, visited a range of progressive farming businesses in and around the Lake District. The tour was designed to connect their classroom learning with practical examples of how farms are developing in response to changing conditions across the agricultural industry.
From mixed farming to educational farm tours
On the first day, the group visited Miller Farming in Penruddock, where Gary and Hazel Miller manage a mixed enterprise covering more than 250 acres. The farm includes free-range laying hens, sheep, cattle, pigs and honey bees, with produce sold through the family’s own shop.
Students explored how combining several enterprises can make better use of farm resources while creating multiple income streams. They also learned about the role of animal welfare, environmental stewardship and sustainable land management in the business.
Miller Farming has diversified beyond food production through educational farm tours and a farm shop. Those activities give consumers a closer understanding of how food is produced, while also adding further opportunities for the business.
The group then travelled to Dry Howe Farm near Kendal, a 1,900-acre hill farm operating in a demanding upland environment. There, students learned about the management of 150 Limousin cattle and 500 sheep.
The visit demonstrated how hardy livestock breeds and low-input systems can support profitability on marginal land. Careful breed selection can reduce housing and feed costs while maintaining animal performance, and the students saw how sheep and cattle enterprises can complement each other within extensive grazing systems.
The farm’s approach also highlighted the need to adapt management practices to the natural environment. For upland farms, matching the system and livestock to the land is an important part of operating successfully.
Dairy technology and stronger links with consumers
On the second day, the students visited Pemberton’s Farm Shop and Dairies. The visit began in a 14-point swing-over milking parlour, where they observed the technology and management practices used to support efficient dairy production.
They later toured the farm shop, which features a wide range of locally produced food. The students examined how direct marketing and strong community connections can strengthen a family farming business, while also learning about the benefits of supporting local producers, reducing food miles and explaining the origins of food to consumers.
Product sampling provided a practical illustration of the quality and freshness that can be achieved through shorter supply chains.
At Brades Family Farm, a 450-acre dairy enterprise with approximately 550 cows, the focus shifted to adding value through breeding and market awareness. The farm operates a modern 26-point swing-over parlour and uses Jersey genetics to produce milk with higher butterfat and protein levels.
That milk is marketed to the speciality coffee sector, where its characteristics can improve flavour, texture and performance in barista applications. Students saw how research, targeted breeding and product differentiation can help a farm reach premium markets and improve profitability.
Renewable energy on a large-scale dairy farm
The final visit was to Metcalfe Farms in Leyburn, a 3,000-acre dairy enterprise milking 1,300 cows. Students observed advanced systems including a 72-point rotary parlour and robotic technology intended to improve efficiency and herd management.
They also visited the farm’s biodigester, which generates renewable energy for the National Grid. The example showed how technology can support productivity, animal health and labour efficiency, while also creating additional income and reducing environmental impact.
Across the tour, the students saw contrasting approaches to modern agriculture: sustainable mixed farming, upland livestock production, direct sales, specialist dairy markets, advanced milking systems and renewable energy generation.
DAERA said the study tour gave the final-year students an opportunity to experience the diversity of modern agriculture and reinforced their classroom learning through real-world examples. The department also thanked The Gibson Trust for supporting the cost of the trip.
The visit gave the students time to strengthen friendships before moving on to the next stage of their careers. Some are expected to continue into higher-level study, while others will enter employment or return to family farming businesses.
CAFRE offers full-time and part-time agriculture courses for people considering their options after GCSEs. Further information is available through the CAFRE website.