Kansas Team Profiles Part 1

Team X

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My name is Catherine Smyth. I run the Ardmulchan hereford herd in Navan Co.Meath with my father Phil. Our herd was established in 1933 by my grandfather Thomas.

Our herd is focused on producing solid stock with good breed character. Our bulls are sold mainly to dairy herds in the local area.

As we finish a number of HEX stock, we aim to breed pedigrees that are fit for the commercial farmer.

I’m passionate about breeding herefords, having being involved in the herd from a very young age. I studied sustainable agriculture at Dundalk Institute of Technology/Ballyhaise Agricultural College and I also work off farm in the agri industry.

I’m really looking forward to the World Hereford Youth competition. It’s an honour to be part of the team. Im excited to compete but also to meet like minded people and see herefords in the US. I hope we can learn lots of new skills and make new friends along the way.

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My name is Colin Burke, a 21-year-old from the Midlands ofIreland. I am currently in my third year of Agricultural Science at UniversityCollege Dublin, specialising in Animal Science. This autumn, I am honoured tobe studying at Iowa State University as part of the International ExchangeProgramme.

I have always had a massive interest in and involvement inmy family’s farm, which was established in 1968 when my grandparents firstpurchased the farm. While the farm originally focused on dairy, I developed astrong interest in beef cattle from an early age. At just 13, I established myown pedigree Hereford herd by purchasing a foundation heifer, a decision thatsparked a passion for animal breeding and livestock management and inevitablyled to me representing the Irish Hereford Breed Society at the World HerefordConference.

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 My name is Patrick Farrell and I’m a third-generationHereford breeder from Moate, County Westmeath, proudly continuing the familytradition. The Cave Hill herd was started by my father back in 1980 and hasgrown into a well-regarded name in Irish Herefords.

Farming has always been a big part of my life. After leavingschool I studied Agriculture and Environmental Science at ATU in Galway.

Since graduating in 2023 I have been working as anagricultural advisor, working with beef and sheep farmers.

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