After 33 years of dedicated service, the team at Clandeboye Estate in County Down bid a fond farewell and a happy retirement to Estate Manager, Mark Logan who has played an integral part in the life and work of Clandeboye since 1991.

Mark initially joined as herdsman for the estate’s herd of 130 cows with the understanding that should the partnership prove successful, he would step up to role of Farm Manager on the retirement of his predecessor Charlie Williamson in 1992. True to plan, he assumed this role and in 2020 he transitioned to Estate Manager broadening his responsibilities from the farm to encompass involvement in the wider workings of the 2000 acre estate.

Over the years, Mark has played an instrumental role in building Clandeboye’s profile within the farming world. Highlights of his tenure include winning the prestigious Holstein UK Premier Herd award in 2007 and earning interbreed Champion titles at both the Balmoral Show and Winter Fair with standout cows, Willow and CR Evita. However, the icing on the cake came in 2021 when mother and daughter duo Tequila Cookie and Caramel Cookie triumphed at the Winter Fair, a day Mark himself describes as “unbelievable!”

While there have been many successes, Mark admits that his time at Clandeboye has not been without its challenges. Navigating difficult weather conditions, fluctuating milk prices and the complexities of maintaining a small herd of milking cows were no small feats. The establishment and growth of the estates award-winning yoghurt brand, the brainchild of the late Marchioness of Dufferin & Ava, Lady Dufferin, has been key to securing the future of the herd and giving Clandeboye the ability to reinvest and build a sustainable farming model for future generations.

“It is bittersweet to be leaving Clandeboye at the end of 2024 but the estate is in good shape and ready for a new set of eyes to take over the role in 2025,” says Mark, “I have so many memories of the place, the camaraderie and the many great times. I feel very privileged to have been part of Clandeboye for over 30 years, it welcomed me in and took over my life in a good way, it has been my home and given me so much, but the time is right to retire, and I am looking forward to moving to another equally beautiful spot in Islandmagee.”

Of course, Mark won’t be leaving alone, his pride and joy Cookie, is also bound for the new small holding in Islandmagee from where Mark plans to maintain his connection to farming with a small herd of his own. Mark will also assume the role of president of Holstein UK in June 2025, a role which promises that he will not be a stranger in farming circles just yet!

Clandeboye Estate thanks Mark for his decades of dedication and wishes him the very best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter.