James Morrison is a promising pedigree Aberdeen Angus breeder, an enthusiastic agricultural student, a successful sportsman and a talented musician.

However, next May, James – from Drummeer, Maguiresbridge – will represent the United Kingdom and Ireland at the World Angus Forum in Australia next May, a trip he has earned after much work.

James explained that the Aberdeen Angus Youth Development Programme launched the application process in the spring of this year.

“The selection process firstly consisted of an application form highlighting areas such as livestock expertise and breed knowledge, as well as how you would maximise the opportunity to represent your country in Australia,” James explained.

“After the application process, the judges narrowed it down to 20 people to go through an intense interview that took place in Pedigree House, Perth in Scotland.

“This interview comprised a 10-minute presentation to the judging panel on what the future of the beef industry in Europe would look like.

“Following on from this, there was a question and answer session on topics involving sustainability, production costs as well as animal genetics.

“Finally, candidates were handed a tray of six different cuts of meat, and asked to identify them and locate them on a carcass.

“The judges then narrowed the 20 that attended the interview down to a team of five that have been asked to represent the UK Society next year in Australia.”

Of course, James has been brought up on a farm with successful pedigree breeding, and he has become actively involved from a young age.

He explained: “For as long as I can remember I have had a strong passion for agriculture and have been involved in farming from a very young age.

“I was brought up on our family farm in County Fermanagh, just outside Maguiresbridge.

“Our farm currently consists of a small flock of commercial sheep that runs alongside our herd of suckler cows, with our main focus being on breeding pedigree Aberdeen Angus and Charolais cattle.

“My grandfather (Edwin), introduced pedigree Charolais cattle to Drummeer in 1984, and has spent the past 40 years growing and improving the herd with various bloodlines and genetics being purchased over the years.

“Following on from this, my father (Alan) established his own pedigree herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle in 2005, which we have built up as a family to around 30 breeding females.

“In 2014, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to start my own herd under the Hillmount prefix.

“This prefix belonged to my great-grandfather, who also bred Angus cattle.

“I was privileged to have been able to start my herd with a cow that was a descendant of his breeding, The Lady Tara Family.”

Over the years, cattle from the Drummeer prefix have attended shows and sales locally and provincially.

Some of the farm’s greatest achievements include winning championships at shows such as the RUAS, as well as the Aberdeen Angus All Ireland.

James said he was introduced at the age of eight to the Aberdeen Angus youth development programme by his father, Alan, who had been involved in helping at these workshops as a trainer.

James competed in the competition from the age of nine, and in 2019 was privileged to have won the junior section of the competition.

“In 2022 and 2023, I was runner-up in the intermediate section of the competition, which consisted of stock-judging, clipping and grooming, ringcraft and a panel presentation.”

Away from the farm fields, James is also useful on the sports turf.

“I am a keen sportsman and have played rugby right through the age grades. I started at Clogher Valley minis before making my way through the age grades at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, where I was fortunate enough to have played for the 1st XV for the last three years, earning my Senior sporting colours.

“The highlight of my school rugby career was reaching the quarter finals of Danske Bank Schools cup.

“After six years of playing for my school, I have rejoined Clogher Valley, where I have enjoyed playing for and training with the Senior squad and Academy teams.

“My other hobbies consist of playing in my local silver band, Maguiresbridge, as well as singing in several Christian-based choirs.

“I am currently the assistant leader of Lisbellaw YFC, and I am County Fermanagh’s vice-chairman of the YFCU.”

James has just begun studying at Greenmount Campus for a degree in Sustainable Agriculture with Agri Business, with an eye on a career in livestock auctioneering.

Last summer, James was given the opportunity to complete a two-week work experience at Harrison and Hetherington, livestock auctioneers in Carlisle.

This resulted in a month’s work this summer as a trainee auctioneer.

“I experienced a wide range of sales, livestock, machinery and farming enterprises during the month of August, as well as being allowed to sell pedigree livestock, which has been my childhood dream.

“The opportunities and experiences I have gained from the staff at Harrison and Hetherington have been incredible, and I hope to complete a year’s placement as part of my Sustainable Agriculture with Agri business degree with them in 2026,” added James.