- Place you call home:
Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.
- Occupation:
Farmer, agriculture student and Miss GB Belfast 2026 finalist, advocating for women in agriculture.
- Farming commodity:
Beef and potatoes. We run around 200 store bullocks up through to 26 months and had 65-70 acres of potatoes in the previous year, for different shops and business around Northern Ireland including Glens of Antrim and Mash Direct.
- How did you become involved in farming?
I spent my childhood helping on the family farm, learning the ropes and getting stuck into whatever needed done. Now I help more alongside my dad and brother, on our third generation beef and potato farm, everything from the cattle to the potatoes. It’s amazing to see how much the farm has changed since I was a kid and I love being part of life on the farm.
- Earliest farming memory:
I still remember being about three years old, walking around the potato fields like I was the boss in my pink glittery wellies! I even had my own little box to stand on because I couldn’t reach the potatoes properly. Dad wouldn’t let me help on the picking table, so my job was just to point out the stones, which I took very seriously. I had my own little lunchbox to carry lunch around the field and my favourite part was sitting on Dad’s knee while he drove the tractor.
- What personal characteristics did you develop from agriculture?
Farming has taught me so much about myself. I’ve developed patience, resilience and a strong work ethic. It’s also taught me to be adaptable; things don’t always go as planned and you learn to think on your feet and keep calm under pressure. It’s also helped me develop the mindset that I can do anything I put my mind to, whether it’s learning a new skill, tackling a tough day on the farm or taking on new challenges in life. I’ve learned the importance of commitment and taking responsibility, not just for animals and crops, but for the land and community around you.
- Life lesson you learnt from farming:
Farming teaches you that not everything can be controlled, you can do everything right and still have a bad day. The key is to keep going, learn from your mistakes and celebrate the small wins along the way. It’s a constant reminder that effort, consistency and care are what really matter.
- What do you enjoy most about the farming lifestyle?
I love being outdoors, working with animals and seeing the results of your hard work every day. The farm keeps you busy, but it’s rewarding in a way nothing else is. I especially love being part of the Young Farmers’ community, it’s a brilliant way to meet like-minded people, get involved in projects and make friends. Farming can sometimes feel isolating, especially out in the fields, but the community always pulls together. I also really enjoy seeing more women getting involved in agriculture and shaping the lifestyle for the next generation. Farming isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life, full of friendship, opportunities and pride in what we produce.
- Describe a farmer in three words:
Hardworking, humble, resilient.
- What would you like the public to know about Northern Ireland farming?
Most farms in Northern Ireland are family-run and they’ve been passed down through generations. Farming isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life that families depend on to live and provide for their communities. Every day, farmers work hard to produce high-quality food, care for animals and look after the land. We don’t stop working, no matter the weather, holidays or anything else, the farm still needs you. It’s about more than just crops and livestock. It’s about pride, responsibility and keeping a tradition alive. Without family farms, a lot of the food we take for granted and the rural communities we love wouldn’t exist.
- If you could give farmers or farming families one piece of advice, what would it be?
Take time to enjoy the little moments. Farming is busy and hard work, but the small victories – a successful harvest, healthy animals or even a quiet moment in the fields, are what make it so rewarding. Don’t get so caught up in the stress that you forget why you love it.
- What would you say to others considering a career in agriculture?
Go for it! There’s space for all kinds of people in the industry, especially young women. Farming is challenging but it’s also incredibly rewarding. There’s opportunity to be hands-on with animals and crops, work in agri-business, research, technology and leadership, so there’s something for everyone. The skills and experiences you gain are unmatched.
- What are your hopes for the future of NI agriculture?
I hope to see more young people and women feeling confident to get involved and take up opportunities in the industry. I’d love to see farming continue to be sustainable, innovative and supported so that family farms thrive and the next generation can take pride in continuing this way of life.
