Warrenpoint and Mullaghbawn farming families feature in ‘Rare Breed’

​The programme is the ground-breaking year-in-the-life observational documentary series charting the agricultural year, giving a unique insight into one of Northern Ireland’s largest and oldest industries.

Now in its 12th year, the series has taken viewers into the farming world through the lives of farmers across the country.

This new series follows 12 families working in a variety of sectors on farms of all shapes and sizes.

Filmed during 2023, each episode captures the highs and lows of each month of the year, as the families deal with economic and environmental challenges.

The 12 families featured reflect the diversity and innovation in Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector. Be they big or small, traditional beef, sheep, dairy, pig or arable, farm shops or even tourism, the passion and commitment shines through in every episode.

Featured in this series are brother and sister Arthur and Alise Callaghan from Warrenpoint who rear dairy bull calves for beef.

In the same episode, we meet sisters Colleen and Eleanor McCann from Mullaghbawn who manage Clarkhill Farm with their dad, Oliver.

Tony Curry, Programmes Editor at UTV said, “Rare Breed – A Farming Year” continues to shine a light on our thriving agri-industry in Northern Ireland. It’s an industry that never stands still and this series, like all the others, demonstrates how the farming community is using technology and modern methods for their businesses.

“It’s fabulous that our audiences enjoy watching the day-to-day of farming life and hopefully they are learning more about the ‘farm to fork’ journey.”

The series is produced for UTV by local independent production company Strident. Managing Director, Kelda Crawford-McCann said, “It’s always a pleasure to meet the families that take part in Rare Breed.

"This series has something for everyone – from families just starting out on their farming journey, to third and fourth generations combining the old with the new, and learning from each other. It’s a great reflection of the breadth and depth of farming in Northern Ireland.”