Ai Services champions the next generation of agricultural leaders
An Agricultural Technology student at CAFRE, Catherine Hanna from Rathfriland is the recipient of a bursary from Ai Services which will help support her ambitions to further genetic development in the dairy sector.
Presented to Catherine at an awards ceremony at CAFRE’s Greenmount campus, the bursary also reflects Ai Services’ ongoing commitment to support talent development, nurture innovation and contribute to the long‑term sustainability of Northern Ireland’s agri-sector.
Growing up on a dairy farm, Catherine has fostered a strong passion for breeding, cow nutrition, and bovine genetics. The Agri-tech student balances her academic work with active involvement in Rathfriland Young Farmers Club and also plays rugby at weekends, embodying the energy and dedication that drives the agri-food industry forward.
Speaking about the impact of the bursary, a delighted Catherine said:
“I am very grateful to be the recipient of this award and really do welcome this opportunity presented by the team at Ai Services. Student life can be challenging, particularly when it is balanced with life on a busy farm, so this support will enable me to further explore my passion within the dairy industry, breeding and genetics.”
The Discover CAFRE Bursary presented by Ai Services sits within the college’s wider Industry Support Programme, an initiative that delivered £106,000 in bursaries and scholarships to students across agriculture, equine, food, and horticulture disciplines. In total forty‑nine bursaries were awarded to first‑year students, underscoring industry partners’ crucial role in developing the sector’s future workforce.
According to CAFRE these awards offer more than financial assistance: they provide students with opportunities to expand their skills, improve career readiness, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and resilience of agriculture across Northern Ireland.
Eamon Matthews, Operations Manager of Ai Services believes this strongly reflects the ethos of Ai Services:
“As a leader in livestock genetics and a long‑standing supporter of CAFRE programmes, Ai Services recognises that the strength of the agri-sector depends on continuous investment in people. That’s why we remain dedicated to nurturing young talent, partnering with education providers, and supporting initiatives that prepare students to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. We actively collaborate with academia, researchers and future industry professionals to help shape a skilled, forward‑thinking and sustainable agricultural landscape.
“Catherine’s achievements, and her drive to advance dairy breeding and genetics exemplify the bright future of farming in Northern Ireland. We’re honoured to play a role in helping her, and other students pursue their ambitions and contribute to a thriving agricultural sector for generations to come.”