Meet the Team – Russell Smyth

Russell Smyth works as Field Officer for Ulster Wool during the summer months. The key focus of Russell’s role is to communicate key messages on the wool sector to producers but also support producers in ensuring a convenient and high level of service when sending their wool into Ulster Wool.

Tell us a little about your background:

I’m married to Julie and have 1 child, George who was born earlier this year. I work on the family farm outside Coleraine in Co. L’Derry – we have 500 Blackface sheep and suckler cows. I studied agriculture at Greenmount college and previously attended Ulster Wool shearing courses. I also have a shearing contacting business.

When did you start working with Ulster Wool and what interests you with the role?

I first started working for UW in 2019 as a part time field officer I really enjoyed the challenge of the role and being out and about meeting and talking with farmers. Being a farmer myself, I want to see every farmer realise the true market value for their wool and sending this to Ulster Wool is the only way to achieve this.

Give us an example of a typical working day for you during the summer months.

For Ulster Wool I work part time with the focus of my role being to visit livestock markets, UW’s collection network across NI and also on the telephone with farmers. I’m also busy during the summer with my shearing contracting business whether shearing myself or organising my team of shearers.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, I play a little bit of golf (badly) I also enjoy the competitive side of shearing and won the Senior Championship at Balmoral in 2019. I’m also a keen football fan and Liverpool FC supporter.