Lawrence Whyte

Monitor Northern Ireland policy and political developments, including Assembly/AERA Committee activity, MLA written questions, ministerial updates and DAERA-related policy announcements Prepare concise briefings, action points and policy summaries on agricultural, environmental and rural issues, including water quality, Nutrients Action Programme, Areas with Natural Constraints payment, Environmental planning, animal health and farm support schemes Support policy colleagues and committee work by turning complex regulatory, technical and stakeholder information into clear outputs for internal decision-making and member communication

Policy Assistant at Ulster Farmers' Union (2025-01 – Present)

• Monitor Northern Ireland policy and political developments, including Assembly/AERA Committee activity, MLA written questions, ministerial updates and DAERA-related policy announcements
• Prepare concise briefings, action points and policy summaries on agricultural, environmental and rural issues, including water quality, Nutrients Action Programme, Areas with Natural Constraints payment, Environmental planning, animal health and farm support schemes
• Support policy colleagues and committee work by turning complex regulatory, technical and stakeholder information into clear outputs for internal decision-making and member communication
• Information gathering and analysis
• Policy monitoring and briefing preparation
• Committee summaries, action points and meeting support
• Stakeholder and internal communications
• Written and verbal communication of UFU positions and policy developments
• Project coordination and stakeholder liaison
• Translation of environmental policy into practical farmer guidance
• Development of written, video and checklist-based resources
• Clear public-facing communication around behaviour change and water quality

Member / Advisory Role at CAFRE College Advisory Board (2026-01 – Present)

• Contribute to advisory discussions on agricultural education, skills development and the future needs of the agri-food sector
• Provide a practical farming and graduate perspective on how education and training can better support students, young farmers and rural businesses
• Engage with stakeholders from education, industry and agriculture to discuss current challenges facing the sector
• Support the link between agricultural training, industry needs and future policy priorities
• Bring insight from practical farming, agricultural policy, environmental issues and rural development to group discussions

Beef Farmer at Family farm (2015-01 – Present)

• Practical involvement in Aberdeen Angus cattle, organic cropping, animal health monitoring, farm maintenance and environmental stewardship
• Liaise with vets, advisers and regulatory bodies where required, building a strong understanding of how policy, compliance, sustainability and cost pressures affect businesses
• Maintain a practical interest in biodiversity, soil health, farm assurance and balancing environmental requirements with business viability

Technical Support Placement at Anglo Beef Processors (2022-05 – 2023-03)

• Supported abattoir office functions including labour sheets, overtime monitoring, staff training records and health and safety awareness
• Followed Standard Operating Procedures and liaised across departments to support stock checks, operational accuracy and compliance
• Completed an academic/employment report analysing hygiene practices and bacterial cell counts, requiring data gathering, accuracy checks and clear written conclusions
• Report writing and evidence analysis under deadline pressure
• Health and safety communication
• Cross-department liaison and operational record keeping

Junior Agronomist and Stockman at Burkes Agri Supplies (2023-03 – 2023-09)

• Shadowed senior agronomists during crop walks, gaining insight into crop health, soil management, pest control and customer advisory work
• Assisted customers, updated online sales listings and pricing, and explained product information in clear, practical language

Cashier / Customer Service at Tullynagrow Fuels (2018-07 – 2021-08)

• Built customer service, communication and problem-solving skills in a busy public-facing role
• Handled customer enquiries, payments and day-to-day service issues with professionalism and accuracy

BSc in Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies – Queen's University Belfast (2024-01)

A Levels in Biology (A), History (A), ICT (A)

Level 2 ICT in ICT

GCSE in Science (B), History (A), Business studies (Merit), Level 2 ICT (Distinction), Music (C), Math (C), English lit (B), English language (B)