Apprenticeship to Farm-to- Fork Enterprise: Molly Haughey’s Success Story
April 2, 2026
For Armagh farmer Molly Haughey, choosing to complete the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Agriculture at CAFRE wasn’t just about gaining a qualification — it was a step to strengthen her skills to allow her to set up her own farm business in the future. After studying on the Apprenticeship programme she has now set up Ballymac Farm Shop, her rapidly developing farm‑to‑fork enterprise.
Growing up on her family farm, she developed a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and livestock management, particularly in rare and native breeds. This passion soon formed a clear vision for her future which she is now bringing to life through her specialist Dexter beef business.
“The Apprenticeship programme fitted perfectly around my life and my vision of developing my own business,” Molly says. “I could keep working at home while still improving my knowledge every week.”
Each week studying the Level 3 Agriculture Apprenticeship programme at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus offered a valuable mix of classroom learning and practical sessions. Molly gained a deeper understanding in key areas including animal health, breeding, nutrition, sustainability and farm business management.
“It wasn’t just theory — everything was linked to real farm situations,” she says. “That’s what helped me become more confident in my decisions as a farmer”
Molly’s Apprenticeship was based on her own farm in Armagh where she manages a diverse herd of Angus, Highland and Dexter cattle. Her long‑standing interest in Dexter beef inspired the creation of Ballymac Farm Shop, where she supplies high‑quality, dry‑aged beef to local customers. Since graduating, she has also developed her butchery skills, allowing her to offer a complete, high‑traceability farm‑to‑fork service.
For Molly, completing the Apprenticeship offered clear advantages. “CAFRE gave me the knowledge, confidence and perspective to push my business idea forward, whilst staying fully involved in the family farm” she explains. “It made me more ambitious and more prepared for the future.”
Looking ahead, Molly plans to continue growing her brand by developing new value‑added beef products, expanding her Dexter herd and promoting sustainable local food. With the strong foundation built through her Agriculture Apprenticeship, she feels ready for the next phase of her business journey. She summed her experience: “If you’re considering CAFRE, do it. The practical teaching, supportive staff and flexible structure make a real difference. Studying at CAFRE gave me the skills and confidence to grow my business and plan for the future.”
If you’re interested in finding out how an Apprenticeship in Agriculture could support your future career, join us at one of our Agriculture Apprenticeship Open Evenings this spring:
- Enniskillen Campus — Tuesday 14 April
- Loughry Campus — Wednesday 15 April
- Greenmount Campus — Thursday 16 April
To learn more and register, click here.