06 March 2009 Minister praises North/South agricultural student exchange

Minister Michelle Gildernew has congratulated CAFRE, Greenmount Campus and Kildalton College, Kilkenny on the first week-long exchange between agriculture students north and south.

Speaking at an exchange dinner sponsored by the Farmers Union, the Minister said: “This student exchange shows the commitment of CAFRE and Kildalton College to developing the next generation of farmers who will be well-equipped to compete in a global industry.

“I would also thank the Farmers Union for their support of this exchange. They too recognise that well-trained, competent and innovative students are the future of the agriculture sector. I know that CAFRE and our colleagues in the Teagasc colleges are best placed to deliver successful farmers of the future.”

The agricultural student exchange focused on the dairy sector and aimed to give students an insight into different production systems across Ireland. Kildalton students had the opportunity to learn about the high genetic merit CREAM herd at Greenmount, discuss topical issues with CAFRE Dairy specialists and go on farm visits.

Notes to Editors

1. 16 CAFRE Higher National Diploma in Agriculture students and 16 Certificate in Agriculture students from Kildalton College have changed places for a week.

2. Kildalton College is a Teagasc college located in County Kilkenny. Teagasc is the agriculture and food development authority in Ireland.

3. The Certificate in Agriculture course at Kildalton is a level 5 course, broadly equivalent to the Higher National Diploma in Agriculture at CAFRE.

4. The CREAM unit at CAFRE comprises 35 high genetic value dairy cattle, each capable of producing 10,000 litres per year. CREAM stands for Co-operative in Real Education and Agricultural Management. As part of this enterprise, CAFRE Higher Education Students assume a major role in managing and supervising the herd husbandry of these animals.

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