Young farmer focus: Catherine McKenna - 'Social media is a great way to better our mental health'

During lambing 2020 we recorded and tracked a lot of information.

By doing this we can look back, analyse every year and plan for a better future.

We recently converted to an organic system, we produce lamb, forestry and are starting to introduce crops for the future.

Our goal is to build the flock up by establishing good animal health and better results during lambing. In the future I aim to use recording technology such as EID tag systems and grass counting.

This information can really help with the planning as efficiency is something we want to improve on.

I am currently studying at CAFRE towards a master’s in business for Agri Food and Rural Enterprise.

This course was always an option for me as I am interested in the Agri business and people’s perceptions and attitudes to agri-food.

Instagram

I want to mention the community of farmers on Instagram as they do such a great job supporting one another.

There are farmers sharing their tips and tricks all year round.

Farming can be very isolating work and being able to interact on social media is a great way to better our mental health especially when we all work so far away from each other.

I am really looking forward to my farming future.

People will always need good, food products and I believe if we can show people how important quality is in what they eat, farming will be appreciated more by the general public.