Life on the farm with Stuart Adams

A dedicated member of Lisnamurrican Young Farmers' Club, 24-year-old Stuart Adams combines his passion for agriculture with an active role in the rural community.

Living and farming around 550 acres in the Braid Valley just outside Broughshane, County Antrim, Stuart works alongside his father on the family's sheep and dairy farm, continuing a farming tradition that has been passed down through two generations. Stuart plays an active role in all aspects of farm management. The farm is centred around two key enterprises: sheep and dairy. Alongside his father, he manages over 700 purebred blackface ewes and 200 replacements, while also milking 100 pedigree Holstiens cows. These enterprises form the backbone of the farm, providing a busy workload throughout the year and ensuring there is never a shortage of jobs to be done.

During the busiest times of the year, including lambing, calving, shearing and silage season, other family members lend a hand to help keep everything running smoothly. It is very much a family effort, with everyone working together when extra help is needed.

Stuart says that no two days on the farm are ever the same. The nature of farming means that every season brings its own challenges and priorities, and Stuart enjoys the variety that comes with the job. His day typically begins at 5:30am with the morning milking, followed by checking on the young stock and sheep on the farm. The rest of the day involves a wide range of jobs depending on the time of year. During the spring months, lambing and calving demand long hours and constant attention, while summer often centres around silage and managing grassland. Throughout the year, Stuart is involved in feeding livestock, monitoring animal health, moving stock, fencing, maintaining machinery, carrying out repairs and looking after the farm's general upkeep. The working day continues with the evening milking at 5:00pm before a final round of livestock checks. While farming often requires early mornings and long days, Stuart wouldn't have it any other way.

Away from the farm, Stuart has been a committed member of Lisnamurrican YFC since joining in 2014. Young Farmers has always been a significant part of his life, with both his mum and dad having been members of the club. Over the years, Young Farmers’ has provided him with opportunities to become more involved in the wider agricultural community. His involvement in the club has seen him take on several leadership roles. He previously served as Stock Judging Representative and Sports Representative before becoming Assistant Club Leader, and is currently in his first year as Club Leader, a role that allows him to help guide the club and encourage younger members to get involved in everything Young Farmers has to offer. One of the aspects Stuart enjoys most about YFCU is the variety of competitions and activities available to members, with Stock Judging and Tug O War being his two favourites. Stock judging combines his passion for livestock with competition, allowing him to put his knowledge and practical experience to the test. Tug O War, is something he enjoys for the team spirit and good craic that comes with it. One of Stuart's proudest achievements to date came earlier this year when Lisnamurrican YFC won the Tug of War competition for the third consecutive year. 

Looking to the future, Stuart remains passionate about both farming and the wider agricultural industry. Northern Ireland agriculture means a great deal to him, not only because it provides his livelihood, but because it represents a way of life that has been passed down through generations. He believes young people have an important role to play in the future of the industry by embracing innovation, adopting new technologies and stepping forward into leadership positions. Through Young Farmers’, Stuart believes the next generation can help promote agriculture, strengthen rural communities and ensure farming remains sustainable and successful for years to come. As someone already balancing the responsibilities of farm life with leadership in Young Farmers, he is playing his part in helping to secure that future.