By his own admission, 21-year-old Adam Cusick was entirely unaware of the vast opportunities available to everyone within the agricultural sector. Having spent time on his uncle's beef and sheep farm, he always had a great interest in farming, but was unsure of which career path to follow.
However, a work placement opportunity seen at a careers event saw him successfully secure a place on the McDonald's Progressive Young Farmer Scheme, and opened his eyes to new options to pursue. Having left school after completing his GCSEs, Adam started studying engineering at the Northern Regional College (NRC) in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
He says: "I decided to make this move as I have a love for machines and automation. I really enjoyed my time there, but I knew engineering was not the correct industry for me." So taking the skills and knowledge gained in his two years at NRC, Adam started a degree in business management at Queens University Belfast.
He says: "Throughout my school years I never wanted to go to university, but with some guidance and persuasion from my parents, I applied and it was a great decision, as it has widened my horizons and opened my eyes to the world of industry." With an informed understanding of what agriculture offers, Adam advocates there are opportunities for all people from every walk of life.
He says: "When most of us think of a farmer, there are certain stereotypes which come into our heads, but as the industry evolves to keep up with changing trends and consumer requirements, so should our mindset towards the entire sector. "Food is how we all survive and no matter whether you are eating a steak or an avocado, it is reliant on a farmer's hard work."
Focusing on the opportunities for everyone sparked the idea for a dissertation project Adam is completing throughout the year, which concentrates on the area of diversity. "I was fortunate to attend the Oxford Farming Conference earlier this year where there was a lot of talk about diversity and inclusion," he says. "One of the areas which was not talked about as much was around how to become involved in agriculture and the food supply chain if you experience a disability, whether that be physical or mental."
Adam has begun work on his dissertation, which focuses on this question and is currently researching the subject with peers well-suited to advise on the challenges, opportunities and language needed to help reinforce a positive message. "A disability may not only be physical, but a person is considered to have a disability if they have a self-reported, long-standing illness, condition or impairment, which causes difficulty with day-to-day activities.
"So, throughout the year, my aim is to highlight both employment opportunities in the sector along with the rehabilitation benefits available within the industry." With a strong desire to understand more, Adam is currently in the process of organising a diversity and inclusion afternoon at Newford Farm, a demonstration beef suckler farm located in Athenry, Co Galway.
Purpose
Adam says: "The main purpose of the afternoon will be to bring children to the farm to showcase what agriculture has to offer.
"My hope is that there will be a realisation agriculture is a viable option for future employment, no matter the physical or mental disability an individual may have. "There will be limits as to what this project can bring to the table, but using these limits, we will be able to create a framework for inclusive cultures for the industry. "Those conversations around how food is produced, the effort it takes, the fantastic health and welfare standards and subsequent quality we have, really need to take place from a young age. Then children have a chance to decide whether to be involved, because they have that key understanding."
Back in his day-to-day job, Adam has spent time both in factory and on-farm. After beginning his time at Dawn Meats' head office in Grannagh, Waterford, he worked in the boning hall, dispatch, lairage and technical departments. During his four-month period spent with the team, he was able to appreciate the extensive work which goes into creating a quality product for the customer, with a key focus on animal health and welfare, and food safety.
Continuing his journey, he went to the Dawn Meats site where the McDonald's burger patties are produced. He says: "I was amazed by the automation and lean production techniques in place here. I was lucky enough to work within every department here, from the raw material coming into the factory, through to production, and right to where the burgers are dispatched. Even spending some time behind the grill in the test kitchen."
Adam is now working on the newly developed dairy to beef farm in Tipperary, which comprises a share-farm agreement between Dawn Meats and Shinagh Estates, with Teagasc signing a 15-year lease for the farm. He says: "The main focus on the farm is understanding how we can develop a robust, profitable system for dairy calf to beef production.
"I have also spent time at Newford Farm, a beef demonstration farm in Athenry, Co Galway. I was here during the calving season, which gave me a great insight into the workings of a compressed caving programme.
Breeding season
"I will be heading back to Newford before the breeding season starts, where all the cows will be artificially inseminated to easy calving beef bulls.
Both farms are part of the Signpost Programme, which aims to achieve progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Irish agriculture. "It also aims to improve water quality, maintain and improve biodiversity and create rounded sustainable farming enterprises." Following completion of his placement, Adam will return for his final year at university and remains open-minded as to what his next career move will be.
He says: "My experience with the Progressive Young Farmer Scheme has opened my eyes to how exciting the supply chain is. I have met some young, creative and progressive people who are looking to safeguard the future. "There are constant changes happening and we need to make sure our processes and the industry are future-proofed to ensure our supply chain is continually the best it can be."
