Young stars of the Irish Farmers Journal

Job title: Buildings and environment specialist.

Career highlight: Being internationally award winning. Twice!

Life highlight: Organising Christmas Party 2015 with Maza Phelo.

First impressions of the Irish Farmers Journal: It was a little surreal, the paper was in my house since I can remember and walking around the office and meeting some of the main journalists was strange. I spent almost 20 years looking at their headshots...

Person you most admire in the ag industry: The tillage editor here, Andy Doyle, is an encyclopaedia of information and is always willing to give good advice.

Who’s the most craic in the Irish Farmers Journal: I’m not sure who is the most craic – but the news editor, Patrick Donohoe is definitely the least craic.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I went through a lot of phases, from wanting to be a farmer, to a builder, a developer, an architect, and back to a farmer. I never really considered being a journalist, but I am happy how it turned out and I also farm on the side – best of both worlds.

Most common thing people say to you about working in the Irish Farmers Journal: Sure, you must know, you work in the Journal.

Your fave part of the job: Travelling around the country meeting farmers and looking at new sheds. I also like the opportunity of solving problems for farmers.

Your least fave part of the job: Deadlines.

Best article you’ve ever read in the Irish Farmers Journal: Not sucking up to my boss, but the time the IFJ/IFA exposed the very poor beef-processing conditions and farming practices in Brazil, which resulted in a ban in imports was, for me, excellent journalism. It displayed to me at the time the change journalists can instigate and the power of the Irish Farmers Journal.

Job title: Social media editor

Finest hour as a journalist: Getting a story about the Kardashians into the Irish Farmers Journal.

In another life Aisling would be: a private investigator.

Quotable quote: LeSigh.

Caveat emptor: NOTHING gets past this lady.

Aisling Hussey’s nickname: The Hussey.

Interesting fact: Her parents almost called her Iona, so her name would have been I Own A Hussey.

Most difficult question you were asked in your interview to get in to the Irish Farmers Journal: The then-news editor Pat O’Keeffe asked if I would be comfortable writing about farming matters such as Schmallenberg (I lied and said yes, of course).

Who’s the most craic in the Irish Farmers Journal: Me, obviously. Actually this is a really tough question, because there are so many hilarious/mental people in the office.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I’ve wanted to be a journalist for as long as I remember. I loved reading and writing in school and always had more questions than answers!

Most common thing people say to you about working in the Irish Farmers Journal: Is the office REALLY in Dublin?

Your fave part of the job: Being on Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat all day! I love working on social media, because it’s always developing. Keeping on top of new trends is interesting and challenging. The travel is pretty cool too – I’ve been to eight countries so far through my work, from Ethiopia to Nepal.

Your least fave part of the job: Transcribing interviews is always a pain in the neck.

Most likely to say: I’m going to the vending machine.

Best article you’ve ever read in the Irish Farmers Journal: Eoin Lowry is my globetrotting inspiration and I always love reading about his travels in the AgBiz pages.

Job title: Beef specialist

Career low: Ciarán’s career was almost over before it began –because he couldn’t do ag science for the Leaving Cert.

Least known for: Being good at Gaelic football.

First impressions of the Irish Farmers Journal: I was out on a farm on my second day of the job. The sun was splitting the stones and the farmer and I spent hours walking the farm and talking cattle. I remember pulling out the gate beaming, thinking: “This is great!” The workload has increased since, but it’s still a dream job.

Person you most admire in the ag industry: Mary Phelan

Who’s the most craic in the Irish Farmers Journal: It’s close between Aisling “Armbands” Hussey and Shane “Purfect” Murphy – when he shuts up about Aberdeen Angus cattle.

What did you want to be when you grew up? From a young age – like most lads – it was a footballer, then after a work experience stint, veterinary tickled my fancy. I was relatively studious in school, but not that studious. I put veterinary number one on my CAO but knew I wouldn’t get near the points. The plan was to do an Animal Science degree and go in the back way, but that all changed and I went into beef research after college.

Most common thing people say to you about working in the Irish Farmers Journal: Usually asking for gossip or if anyone around the country has the cattle out.

Your least fave part of the job: Ads on my page!

Hobbies outside of work/farming: I play Gaelic football with the local club at present and run the farm at home with my dad. We have 50 sucklers and bring everything to beef. Outside of that I enjoy watching all sports, going out at the weekend and annoying Shane Murphy.

Most likely to say: What stars has she?

Least likely to say: What’s on the dairy page this week?