Cockhill Farm is a mainly mountainous farm situated in the outlying rural area of Draperstown, it has been in the Smyth family for over six generations.
Growing up on the family farm, and spending a lot of his time helping his father meant that Trevor Smyth gained a good working knowledge of farming practices from an early age. After completing his GCSE exams at a local Grammar School Trevor knew that the next step for him was attendance at the local agricultural college, where he completed the ‘College Certificate in Agriculture’.
Upon completion of his studies, Trevor acquired full time work in local farm yards/shops while also assisting his father on the family farm. This provided him with a great insight into various working practices and allowed him to widen his knowledge within the farming industry.
Trevor returned to work on the family farm on a full time basis in 2011; a typical day for Trevor includes the management of all aspects of farm life – checking the livestock, animal welfare, buying and selling stock, maintenance of buildings and vehicles, and the financial side of the farm business; in addition to seasonal activities such as silage, topping and shearing.
Trevor assumed responsibility for the care of his three children when his wife Judith was at work, and this he states: “was the hard part, particularly homework!” However, Trevor also states: “farming has allowed me the flexibility to have a bigger part in my children’s’ lives, which I really enjoy.” In addition, Trevor advised that he: “really enjoys spring time, particularly when the cows are calving and the sheep are lambing.”
Trevor believes that skills are important, particularly those skills associated with animal husbandry, time keeping, health and safety, record keeping and financial skills, as is keeping abreast of relevant legislation. He recently completed training on the safe use of pesticides which will allow him to spray his crops himself, saving him money as he won’t have the additional cost of employing a contractor on the farm, while also ensuring he is complying with legislation.
