The hugely popular year-in-the-life observational documentary series charting the reality of farming in the 21st century, giving a unique insight into one of Northern Ireland’s largest and oldest industries.
For more than a decade the series has taken viewers into the farming world through the lives of farmers across the country and now in its eleventh year, these new episodes follow 12 families as they deal with one of the most unpredictable periods in living memory.
The families featured reflect the diversity and innovation in Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector from traditional beef, sheep, dairy and produce enterprises, to social farming, breeding alpacas and sport horses. Viewers can see how they face daily challenges and constantly work in all weathers against a backdrop of Brexit, climate change and the War in Ukraine.
UTV’s Mark McFadden once again narrates the series. Sponsored by Dromona, Rare Breed – A Farming Year starts on Thursday, January 19 at 8.30pm on UTV.
So who are the farmers that we will meet in this new series?
5. Geoffrey Ringland from Katesbridge
Geoffrey Ringland of Churchview Farm in Katesbridge, Co. Down produces and rears award-winning goats and is a former Rare Breed participant. In January, it’s all about the day-to-day routine on the farm as Geoffrey feeds and keeps an eye on his livestock. Recently, Geoffrey cut the goat numbers and turned his attention to starting a small beef suckler herd. It’s a steep learning curve but Geoffrey says, “I’m always looking for a bit of a challenge.” Photo: contributed
6. Michelle Dunniece with her alpacas at Slieve Croob, Co. Down
In Dromara in Co. Down, Michelle Dunniece keeps a more unusual herd of animals - alpacas! Michelle’s been running Mourne Alpacas for 16 years with her husband Stephen and their four children. Originally from Chile and Peru, alpacas are used to a different climate to that of Northern Ireland. However, Michelle notes that their farm at the foot of Slieve Croob offers “five star pastures”. In January, Michelle and Stephen are making sure their herd is topped up with vitamins especially through the darker winter months. Photo: contributed
7. The Byers family from Ballinamallard
Dale and Vicki Byers have a dairy herd of 150 cattle at their farm in Ballinamallard in Fermanagh. Photo: contributed
8. Four generations of the Beatty family from Auchnacloy
Near Aughnacloy in Tyrone is Paul Beatty who runs Tirelugan farm alongside his grandfather Cecil, and his dad Donald. Photo: contributed