Michael Burley, 27, works as a head shepherd on an upland farm running 750 ewes and 80 head of cattle in the Rhondda Valleys, South Wales.
I come from a non-farming background but I had family relations in Devon who had friends who were farming and it all started from there. Every summer we would go down for a holiday and I was fascinated with stock and machinery since I was really young.
By age 13, I started with an allotment growing veg and keeping poultry alongside my father. I sold all the produce to neighbours, family friends and school teachers. We bought straw bales off a nearby farm and when I started learning to drive, the boss took a chance on me for some work experience during lambing and Ive never really left.
I studied A level Biology, Chemistry and Maths, before attending Harper Adams University and studying BSc (Hons) Agriculture.
My placement year was on a beef, sheep and arable farm in Worcester working for Andrew Baxter, who really was a fantastic farmer and a great mentor. I learnt a great deal during this year and my time at University, it put me on the right footing for a career in agriculture.
After spending time working on other beef and sheep farms, I spent a summer (our winter) out in New Zealand on a high country beef, sheep and deer station, Mespotamia Station with the Prouting family.
That was an incredible experience. Such a huge scale. Tailing, calf marking, velveting, silaging, mustering. One thing is for sure though, I will not be buying any Merino sheep. I did a few farm tours along the way. Most notably Mount Linton Station.
Once I came back home, my original employer gave me the opportunity to return back and manage the stock enterprises and run my own flock of sheep. A challenge I thoroughly enjoy, I take great pride in and one Im incredibly fortunate to have.
Increasing breeding ewe and cattle numbers whilst maintaining a forage based, outdoor lambing, low input system that produces quality finished lambs and store cattle off grass alone is our philosophy.
I lambed 140 of my own ewes this year with the aim of producing lamb boxes to complement the vegetable boxes grown between my partner and I.
I was very fortunate to be included in the NSAs Next Gen Programme last year. It was fantastic for expanding my knowledge of the sheep industry, meeting like minded people and personal goal setting. Being around like-minded people and bouncing ideas off each other was very encouraging.
We have been to some incredible places and met some very positive, forward-thinking people.
I have three real passions.
Firstly, producing high quality, healthy, sustainable products for the consumer.
Secondly, I love working dogs. Seeing young, inexperienced dogs mature and becoming an asset to the farm. Much like my girlfriend who has now become quite useful as a young, keen shepherdess.
It is such a thrill training and working dogs. I have got 4 dogs. 3 collies and a huntaway. Twigg, Bryn, Gwen and Kim.
Thirdly, working towards the goal of becoming a full-time first generation farmer.
