Lawrence Whyte

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

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