Situated just outside the small village of Knockloughrim is the Fulton family farm on which David has been working for over 25 years.
On leaving school David applied to and attended the Greenmount Campus of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise where he studied for a National Certificate in Agriculture, before returning in 1991 to work alongside his father on the family farm. Since this time David has also completed various short courses, and attended specific education and training events, including a NVQ Level 4 in Business Management and a College Diploma in General Management working with Pigs.
A typical day starts with feeding and checking his livestock (pigs, sheep and beef cattle), before spending time with his staff, discussing the day’s activities. Purchasing farm supplies, liaison with contractors and dealing with any problems which might arise are also undertaken by David on a regular basis.
David believes that skills are extremely important for the successful running of his farm business, and in particular in his role as farm manager: “Good stockmanship skills are essential as you have to know if there is a problem with any animal. For my particular role I think you also have to have experience in every area of the farm and have good business management skills.”
Looking to the future, David states: “As my father has gotten older I have taken on more responsibility for the farm. Long term, I plan to stay profitable; I am hoping to build a new pig fattening house to let me increase pig weights will which help make the business more efficient.”
David advised that he enjoys every aspect of his work, particularly the lambing season and the breeding/genetics aspect of the pig unit. Asked to give advice to others thinking of a career in the agricultural industry, David states: “Farming is enjoyable, but I would definitely recommend every young person should go to an agricultural college to get training in both practical and business aspects of running a farm business, it’s so important.”
