Nineteen-year-old JAMES MORRISON from County Fermanagh is not only a keen pedigree Aberdeen Angus breeder, but a dedicated member of Lisbellaw Young Farmers’ Club and will be representing the United Kingdom and Ireland at the World Angus Forum in Australia in May.
Looking over the beautiful green countryside of Maguiresbridge in County Fermanagh, James lives and works on his family farm that keeps Pedigree Aberdeen Angus, Pedigree Charolais Cattle, some crossbreds, and a small herd of sheep across 120 acres. James explains, “as any Farmer would say, there’s always work to be done, and it’s no different for us. We calve all year round and breed Pedigree Bulls for the dairy and suckler markets”.
James’ success in agriculture comes from being involved in the farm from a young age and most recently has been recognised at UK and Ireland level with the Aberdeen Angus Youth Development Programme, where he was selected for the role of Captain for the UK and Ireland team when they head to Australia in May.
James explains that his Grandfather Edwin and Father Alan have always encouraged him to showcase cattle at agricultural shows. He explains, “I’ve always enjoyed showcasing cattle at different shows like Balmoral, Clogher Valley, Fermanagh and Omagh County. For many years I was involved in setting up cattle rings at the Fermanagh Show with my Granda. I won the Reserve Breed Championship three times at the Balmoral Show and Female Champion at the Northern Ireland Aberdeen Angus Club Sale. I won First Time Young Handler awards at Fintona Horse Arena in 2014 and have represented Northern Ireland at the UK Stock Judging finals for the British Charolais Society”. James spends a lot of time throughout the year halter-breaking his cattle and washing Bulls in preparation for these annual shows, “it takes time preparing the cattle, but practicing throughout the year leaves it a lot easier come the time of show season”.
A typical day in the life for James begins with relief milking for a dairy farmer in Fivemiletown, County Tyrone before he heads back to his own farm to check and feed the stock. It’s then time for Granny Morrison’s signature bacon, eggs and toast combo served with a hot cup of tea. Returning to the farm a short time later, with the help of Granda Morrison, he begins putting in silage and seeing to other tasks that need to be done, such as fencing, and before too long, it’s back to the kitchen for a drop of tea, a chat and a read of the local newspaper. The morning continues with general farming duties before a hot meal is served at dinner, followed by dessert and then it’s straight into halter breaking and preparing Bulls for shows. After the cattle have been seen to and dinner has been served, it’s time to head to Young Farmers’, band practice, rugby training, or choir. “There’s rarely an evening spent in the house”, recalls James.
Having been a member of Lisbellaw YFC since 2017, James currently holds the roles of Assistant Club Leader, Junior Coordinator and Vice Chairperson for County Fermanagh. He explains that Young Farmers’ has always been a huge part of family life, with his Grandfather Noel Baxter being a Past President and parents meeting through the organisation. James enjoys taking part in different competitions, “I have won several awards in the Stock Judging competition, as well as the Public Speaking, Floral Art and Tag Rugby. That’s something I love about the organisation is the variation of competitions offered; it’s a great way of learning new skills”. With younger sister Evie also a dedicated member, the ten-minute journey to the club hall is made every other Tuesday night.
Agriculture was always something James had a fond interest in and stemmed from his involvement on the family farm from he was just three years of age. He is currently studying a full-time course in Sustainable Agriculture with Agri-Business at Greenmount College (CAFRE) and has plans to take this knowledge further in the future and expand the family farm. Whilst Maths and Technology & Design were two of James’ biggest interests at school, he was a high achiever all round during his time at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, holding the role of Deputy Head Boy in his final year and being an active member of the School Council and Brass Band. Aside from school and farming duties, James has many other interests and is widely involved in the local community. His musical talents shine through singing in the Church Choir with his Father and playing in Maguiresbridge Silver Band, and his sporting interests involve playing in the front row for Clogher Valley Rugby Football Club.
As James prepares to embark on the trip-of-a-lifetime to Australia this Spring, he explains the process of getting chosen to represent the UK and Ireland at the competition. “It consisted of an application form where I had to share my knowledge of livestock and breeding, as well as explain how I would maximise the opportunity to represent my country in Australia. Participants were then narrowed down to just twenty people, and I had to do an intense interview that took place in Scotland. This interview comprised a ten-minute presentation to the judging panel on what the future of the beef industry in Europe would look like. There was a question-and-answer session on topics involving sustainability and production costs and then I had to identify six different cuts of meat and locate them on a carcass. I was honoured to make the top five participants and represent the UK society in Australia”.
James’ story may hopefully inspire others to consider agriculture as a career and get involved with their local Young Farmers’ Club. The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster congratulates James on getting chosen to represent the United Kingdom and Ireland at the World Angus Forum in Australia and wishes him a memorable trip and safe travels.
