26 January 2010

My name is Alfred Clyde; I farm with my Dad and younger brother Philip on our 170 acre home farm near Garvagh Co. Londonderry. I left school on the completion of my GCSE’s and embarked on an Apprenticeship as an electrician. Philip also left school with GCSE’s and completed his apprenticeship in plumbing – we now have useful skills that can be used on the farm.

Once qualified, I took the opportunity to go on a six month working holiday in New Zealand, where I worked for an arable contractor. This past summer both Philip and I took the opportunity to widen our arable experiences on a 3000 acre farm near Hull in the east of England.

I always intended to complete an agricultural qualification, but there never seemed to be the ‘right time’. So when the occasion arose to complete my Level 3 Work-based Diploma in Agriculture at Greenmount Campus I jumped at the opportunity. It suited me well as I can attend the course while still working at home. This course will give me a better understanding of livestock production and should be beneficial as we plan to develop our current suckler herd.

Philip also enrolled, as he wants to develop his livestock management expertise. The course has given us a better grasp of feeding and nutrition, and the additional confidence to consider increasing our current stock numbers. We recently scanned our 140 ewes. These results predict a good lamb crop in the spring       

My family have all been members of Garvagh Young Farmers and Philip and I share the passion of showing prime stock. We recently had success at Garvagh Young Farmers Christmas Show and Sale.

Philip Clyde (left) and his brother Alfred from Garvagh, getting one of their stock ready for the Young Farmer’s Show and Sale