Danny McLaughlin Joins the Ulster Farmers’ Union

Danny McLaughlin has taken up the role of policy officer for dairy and pigs at the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). He comes from a dairy farm near Armoy in County Antrim and has returned to the North Coast after earlier work and study in England.

McLaughlin studied Animal Science at the University of Nottingham. The course combined scientific study with the practical aspects of agriculture, allowing him to develop his interest in science alongside his agricultural background and experience of working with livestock.

He continued at Nottingham to pursue a PhD on antimicrobial resistance in dairy herds. After completing that period of study, McLaughlin briefly worked in a laboratory before returning home to Northern Ireland.

His earlier connection with the UFU began in July 2023, when he joined the organisation as a policy and technical graduate student. The position involved work across several UFU committees, including Rural Affairs and Pork & Bacon, and included providing members with support through the union’s technical service.

McLaughlin subsequently returned to the family dairy farm on a full-time basis. His new position brings him back to the UFU, where he is due to work with the Dairy Committee and again with the Pork & Bacon Committee. The role covers policy work for both the dairy and pig sectors.

McLaughlin said he looked forward to engaging with farmers and stakeholder organisations through the committees. The stated purpose of that engagement is to address challenges facing the dairy and pig sectors. His background includes dairy farming, animal science, laboratory work, research into antimicrobial resistance and previous experience of the UFU’s committee and technical-service operations.