Discover CAFRE

Discover CAFRE Official College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) account. Northern Ireland’s specialist agri-food and land-based college.

Three campuses – Greenmount (Antrim), Loughry (Cookstown) and Enniskillen. Providing education and support to the NI Agri-food sector.

BSc (Hons) Equine Management student Ryan Conway is completing his Diploma in Professional Practice Studies at the worl...
02/09/2026

BSc (Hons) Equine Management student Ryan Conway is completing his Diploma in Professional Practice Studies at the world renowned Ballydoyle.

Over the past few months, Ryan has gained exceptional hands on experience in a high-performance equine environment, developing practical skills, industry knowledge and professional confidence while working alongside some of the best in racing.

Ryan said “ My placement so far at Ballydoyle has been an incredible experience. Working in such a professional environment is allowing me to develop my practical skills. The experience so far has reinforced my passion for the equine sector and will be invaluable to me”.

The Diploma in Professional Practice studies is a valuable opportunity for students to apply their academic learning in the workplace, build industry links and gain real world experience that will support their future careers.

A huge thank you to the team at Ballydoyle for their support and mentorship.

If you would like to find out more about our Equine Courses visit cafre.ac.uk/study/equine/

Chloe Kileen, a Level 3 Equine Management student, completed her work placement at Ashford Outdoors, Co. Mayo, andthoro...
02/09/2026

Chloe Kileen, a Level 3 Equine Management student, completed her work placement at Ashford Outdoors, Co. Mayo, andthoroughly enjoyed every minute of the experience.

Working within a busy equestrian centre, Chloe developed her practical skills and industry knowledge through a range of responsibilities, including assisting with rides, carrying out general yard duties and supporting the day-to-day running of the centre.

Work placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting, develop practical skills and gain valuable insights into careers within the equine sector.

Interested in a career working with horses? Discover the range of equine courses available at CAFRE and take your first step towards an exciting future in the industry.

👉 Visit: cafre.ac.uk/study/equine/

🐴 Equine Lecturers Andrew and Jenny enjoyed meeting visitors at the Oughterard Show, showcasing our equine courses and ...
02/09/2026

🐴 Equine Lecturers Andrew and Jenny enjoyed meeting visitors at the Oughterard Show, showcasing our equine courses and giving demonstrations of the equine simulators used to enhance student learning.
If you didn't get the chance to stop by, why not join us at our Enniskillen Campus Open Day on Saturday 10 October? Meet our equine team, discover our courses, and take a look around our facilities.
🔗 Book now: cafre.ac.uk/events

01/09/2026

🌸Last week, we caught up with Level 3 Floristry student Jamie Kelly to hear about his CAFRE experience, his work placement at Floral Creations, and the journey of growing his own business, Jamie's Greenhouse Journey 🌿

We're delighted to see Jamie's talent being recognised, with a nomination for Floristry Student of the Year from the British Florist Association. Congratulations also to lecturer Anne Marie Grant, who has also been nominated.

You can support both Jamie and Anne Marie by voting via the link: https://bfa.eventsair.com/awards-2026---voting/public-vote/Site/Register

Feeling inspired by a career in floristry? Join us at our next Open Day on Wednesday 7 October to discover the opportunities available at CAFRE.💐

01/09/2026

🌱 Understanding Soil Health 🌱

Soil is one of our most valuable natural resources, underpinning food production, water storage and filtration, nutrient recycling, and biodiversity.
Join us for our half-day Understanding Soil Health course and gain a deeper understanding of how physical, chemical, and biological soil processes influence plant growth, environmental quality, and agricultural productivity.

Participants will explore:
✅ Soil organic matter and soil structure
✅ Nutrient cycling and soil biodiversity
✅ Water management and soil resilience
✅ Impacts of compaction, erosion, cultivation, and pollution
✅ Sustainable practices to improve soil health and productivity

📍 Greenmount Campus, Antrim
📅 Monday 28 September 2026
🕤 9:30am to 1:30pm

Discover how healthy soils support resilient farms, thriving ecosystems, and climate change adaptation. This half day course is free, but you must book to attend.
https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-courses/understanding-soil-health/

🌿 Horticulture combines the art, business and science of growing plants, trees, flowers and edible crops, while helping ...
31/08/2026

🌿 Horticulture combines the art, business and science of growing plants, trees, flowers and edible crops, while helping care for outdoor spaces, sports facilities and natural habitats.

Studying horticulture can open the door to a wide range of rewarding careers in a fast-paced industry that is helping to create a more sustainable future.

At CAFRE Greenmount Campus, Antrim, we offer courses from Level 2 through to BSc (Hons), with full-time, part-time and apprenticeship pathways available.

Find out more: cafre.ac.uk/study/horticulture/

🚜 CAFRE's part-time agriculture course returns!💻Level 2 Certificate in Agricultural Business Operations✅ One evening per...
30/08/2026

🚜 CAFRE's part-time agriculture course returns!
💻Level 2 Certificate in Agricultural Business Operations

✅ One evening per week for 20 weeks
✅ Blend of online and face-to-face delivery
✅ Available at Greenmount, Loughry and Enniskillen campuses
✅ Classes in beef, sheep, crops and dairying

A great opportunity to build knowledge and practical farming skills.

Dr Alastair Boyle, CAFRE Adviser congratulates Aoife O'Connor (Belfast), Mark Kelly (Dungannon) and Joey Bryson (Donemana) on attaining their Level 2 Certificates in dairy production.

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

Our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology and Nutrition student Chloe Brewster is enjoying her 12-week placement w...
28/08/2026

Our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Food Technology and Nutrition student Chloe Brewster is enjoying her 12-week placement with Dale Farm Pennybridge in the Milk Laboratory.

As part of her role, Chloe is involved in testing milk samples arriving from farms, helping to ensure the quality and safety of milk before it enters the production process. This is a vital part of the dairy supply chain, supporting high standards and product quality for consumers.

The placement is providing valuable industry experience and allowing her to apply the knowledge and practical skills developed during her course in a real working environment. She has settled in exceptionally well and is gaining fantastic insight into laboratory operations within the dairy industry.

👏 Well done, Chloe and thank you to the team at Dale Farm Pennybridge for their continued support of our students.

To find out more about our Food courses, visit cafre.ac.uk/study/food/

Where could a degree in Food Innovation take you?For Lauren Smyth from Portadown, it led to a graduate role with one of ...
28/08/2026

Where could a degree in Food Innovation take you?

For Lauren Smyth from Portadown, it led to a graduate role with one of Northern Ireland's leading pet food manufacturers.

As part of her BSc (Hons) degree at Loughry Campus, Lauren completed her placement year with Mackle Petfoods, gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic food business, covering both technical and new product development. The knowledge, skills and industry connections she developed throughout her studies helped secure her return to the company as a Sales and Marketing Graduate after graduation. This role allows Lauren to contribute to new product launches, market research and promotional activities.

Lauren's success demonstrates how CAFRE's strong industry links and work placement opportunities help students build rewarding careers in the food industry.

Whether your passion is innovation, product development, marketing or business management, a degree at Loughry Campus can open the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities.

Find out more about our Food courses at cafre.ac.uk/study/food/

Alana McKendry from Cloughmills graduated from our BSc (Hons) Sustainable Agriculture degree at Greenmount Campus in Jun...
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

Address

Greenmount Campus, 45 Tirgracy Road
Antrim
BT414PS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 12am - 12:15am

Telephone

0800 028 4291

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Discover CAFRE posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to Discover CAFRE:

Shortcuts

Share