Applications are now being accepted for the Level 2 Certificate in Agricultural Business Operations at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). The part-time course will run from late September 2026 to February 2027, blending face-to-face teaching with online sessions.

The course is designed for those working in agriculture or seeking to improve their skills. Classes will be held one evening per week for 20 weeks at three campuses: Enniskillen Campus, Greenmount Campus in Antrim, and Loughry Campus in Cookstown. Subjects on offer include dairying, beef, and sheep production.

Kenneth Johnston, a senior adviser at CAFRE, stated that interest in the course remains high. He encouraged prospective students to submit their applications promptly.

Past students have praised the course. Brenda Collins, a sheep farmer from Fintona, completed the sheep production stream. She noted that the animal health and sheep production modules were particularly useful. She also said the evening schedule suited her, allowing her to apply the knowledge gained directly to her home farm. The course also provided opportunities to connect with other sheep farmers from across Northern Ireland.

More details and the application form are available on the CAFRE website.