Chalk Talk: Boyne CS connects students and farmers through innovative mentorship programme

Fifth-year Agricultural Science students at Boyne Community School in Trim welcomed a strong turnout of local farmers this week for a special mentorship event aimed at bridging classroom learning with real-life experience in the agricultural sector.

The students said the idea for the initiative was born from weekly class discussions about national issues affecting Irish agriculture. “We’ve realised just how many challenges and uncertainties farmers face today,” Patrick Cribben, Boyne CS student said. “We feel we can learn so much more from farmers themselves, about how they meet these challenges and what it’s really like to be a farmer in modern Ireland.”

Conversations touched on the decline of sugar beet production in Ireland, the importance of safe work practices, and advice on entering the sector.

Peter Doolan of Teagasc, based at the Grange Research Centre in Kiltale, is a suckler farmer and agricultural adviser working with farmers across Dublin. Having worked in all 32 counties during his career, he said he was particularly drawn to the diversity of farming in Dublin, from tillage operations in the north of the county to sheep farming in Tallaght. He also emphasised the importance of farm safety. “There were 23 deaths last year in farming. Health and safety is a big thing. Accidents happen when tired and working in isolation,” he reminded the group.

Ger Cooke, a dairy farmer from Robinstown and a former student of Boyne Community School, said he was pleased to return and support the next generation. He was joined by his farm hand Emily, a first-year Agricultural Science student at University College Dublin. “Emily worked hard for her Leaving Cert and got the points for Ag Science. Now she’s gaining valuable experience on the farm,” he said.

Three female students are currently enrolled in the fifth-year Agricultural Science class: Alannah Leonard, Sorcha Coffey and Sophia Greene. Alannah recently paraded a bull at a mart in Tipperary as part of her work experience and said she “absolutely loves” working with livestock. Sorcha, from a farming contractor family in Enfield, expressed her enjoyment of the subject, while Sophia hopes to pursue veterinary studies.

Dairy farmer Gerry Flynn from Enfield encouraged students to broaden their horizons. “Before settling into your jobs, go and travel. See the world and take in New Zealand. They’re a big agricultural country and it would be great to get work experience there,” he said.

Charlie Smyth, who works in calf-to-beef production in Virginia, recommended students make use of educational resources available. “You’d be amazed how much you can learn just sitting in traffic with Teagasc podcasts,” he said.

Jenny Comiskey, who farms in Trim and is based in Ardee, spoke about her journey into farming, which included studying music, psychology, and completing a Master's in primary education before going on to complete a Master’s in sustainable agriculture at University College Dublin. “There’s loads of options out there now that never existed before,” she said.

David and Laura McKenna, father and daughter dairy farmers from Kiltale, also attended and shared advice with students. Laura, who initially trained as a nurse before studying Agricultural Science at Dundalk Institute of Technology, spoke about the importance of exploring all opportunities. Fifth-year student Daire Dixon is currently completing his work experience on their farm.

Ronan McKenna, a part-time suckler farmer from Boardsmill, also participated in the event and spoke about the changing nature of the agricultural sector and the value of hands-on, on-farm learning. “Eighty percent of farmers work part-time. You might go on to study as an electrician, but still come back to farming. It will stand to you to have other experiences,” he said.

Christy Monaghan, a beef farmer from Athboy, agreed, noting that part-time farming is now the reality for the majority. A second-generation timberman, Christy was always known locally for his work in timber, a tradition passed down through the family. Despite this, he has maintained a lifelong love of the land. Now well into retirement age, he said he has no plans to stop farming. “There’s great satisfaction out of farming. It gets you out of bed in the morning. I couldn’t give it up,” he said.

Robert Carroon from Agri Aware addressed the group, encouraging students to explore the full range of career pathways available. “If you undertake a degree in Agricultural Science, you don’t know where it will lead. We welcome any of the students to attend our Farm Walk and Talk events - it’s a great way to meet others and learn,” he said.

Agricultural Science teacher Laura Murphy, originally from a farm in Tipperary, said she was “absolutely delighted” with the turnout.

"We had a fabulous morning with our local farmers and members of the agricultural community. It was a pleasure to connect our school community with our farming community. The students enjoyed an engaging and fascinating morning learning about all areas of Irish farming and the realities of being a farmer. They had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss topics from their course, and gather valuable information for their projects.

"I am delighted to have been part of such a valuable learning experience and to provide an opportunity for everyone to connect. I sincerely thank all those who gave up their time to be with us this morning and for the continued support they have shown to both myself and the students over the years. We hope to keep the Future Farmer Mentorship Programme running by holding more events like today in the future. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the morning, and I hope to welcome them back again. Learning is talking."

The event closed on a high note, with students returning to class inspired by the stories shared and farmers leaving knowing their experience had made a meaningful impact on the next generation.