Michael Simpson, Next Gen member from Killyleagh, Co. Down.
When County Down farmer Michael Simpson first came across a social media video promoting the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s Next Generation Forum (Next Gen), it felt like a good fit.
A year later, he describes joining the programme as one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
Michael, who farms alongside his father near Killyleagh, runs a suckler cow, beef and sheep enterprise.
Michael’s background in engineering took him down a different path for several years. Then, deciding to farm full-time, he was looking for an opportunity to broaden his understanding of the wider agricultural industry.
That’s when he found the Next Gen programme.
“I saw a video on social media about the Next Gen Committee,” he explained.
“It was Andrew Wright from Farm Theory talking about his experience, and it just sounded interesting to me.”
Rather than standing on the sidelines, Michael decided to get involved.
“I thought Next Gen would be a good platform to network, understand a bit more about the politics of farming and get an insight into what was going on around the country,” he said.
So, I signed up, and it’s been fantastic.”
Since joining the programme, Michael has travelled across the UK and further afield, visited agricultural businesses and facilities that most farmers never get the chance to see, and met senior political figures responsible for shaping the future of agriculture.
“We’ve travelled to different countries, we’ve lobbied politicians and we’ve met some very senior decision-makers,” he continued.
“We’ve also visited facilities around the country that, personally, I would never have had the opportunity to see. Those experiences have given me a much broader understanding of the industry than I ever had before.”
His involvement in Next Gen has also led to opportunities he never expected when he first filled in the application form.
“More recently, I’ve been co-opted onto the UFU Beef and Lamb Committee, which came directly from my involvement with Next Gen.
“I’ve also become the delegate for CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers.
“I don’t think either of those opportunities would have come my way if I hadn’t put myself forward for Next Gen in the first place.”
Explaining his thought-process behind applying, he continued, “I was a UFU member before I joined Next Gen, and I would maybe have gone to one or two public meetings throughout the year, but I never really considered joining a committee or putting myself forward for anything.
“I guess I reached the point where I thought that if I was going to complain about what was going on or have an opinion on the issues affecting farming, then it was only right that I educated myself, got involved and tried to make a bit of a difference along the way.”
For Michael, education has been one of the programme’s biggest strengths.
“I would say Next Gen is a brilliant staging ground for educating yourself,” he said.
“Having studied engineering instead of agriculture, I felt I was maybe a little underprepared to have a properly informed opinion on some of the big issues affecting farming.
“Joining Next Gen really broadened my knowledge. It gave me the opportunity to see parts of the industry that I otherwise wouldn’t have experienced and to learn from people who have been immersed in agriculture all their lives.”
At the same time, he believes the programme benefits from bringing together people with different experiences and perspectives.
“I’ve maybe brought a slightly different viewpoint because of my background outside agriculture, but equally I’ve gained an enormous amount from those who have been embedded in the industry from day one.
“That mix of experiences is one of the things that makes the programme work so well.”
You don’t have to be a UFU member to apply for Next Gen, you don’t even have to be a farmer.
“There are people from all different farming backgrounds, but there are also people who simply have a passion for agriculture. Obviously, it’s beneficial if you’re involved in farming, but we need all sorts of perspectives around the table.
“Everyone brings something different, and that’s what makes the discussions so valuable.”
With applications now open for the next intake, Michael has one message for anyone considering putting themselves forward.
“Do consider applying,” encouraged Michael.
“It’s been well worth it for me. It’s really broadened my horizons, given me opportunities I never expected, and I would encourage anybody to get involved.”
If you’ve got an interest in agriculture and you want to learn more, develop your network and have the chance to influence the future of the industry, then Next Gen is worth getting involved in.
Further information and application details are available on the UFU website or by contacting UFU headquarters on 028 9037 0222.
Application deadline: Friday 28 August 2026.
