Northern Ireland has lost one of its best farmers in the recent passing of Greer McCollum OBE.

Greer and his three sisters started out life with their mum and dad at their farm at Foyleview in Greysteel. Greer was still at Foyle College when the family left Greysteel and moved to Drumcroon House Farm near Coleraine in 1956, where Greer and his father started farming their new farm with an acre for everyday in the year!

Their enterprises were cereals, beef, sheep, pigs and potatoes, but for many decades now the farm's focus has been on cereals, beef and sheep.

Greer completed his studies at Coleraine Academical Institution – where in later years he would hold a position on the Board of Governors – and after CAI he completed his education at Greenmount Agricultural College successfully, soon after to meet his wife of 58 years, Rosemary.

In 1962, Greer was like many other farmers across Northern Ireland who lost their complete harvest due to a severe storm just as the grain had ripened. He described this as ‘one of the worst days of his career’. As time passed, Greer went on to prove just how good a farmer he was by his careful attention to detail of every enterprise, while maintaining his farm in excellent condition. He had a great eye for quality cattle and kept the very best.

Along the way Greer began a new part of his life with his involvement in the UFU, beginning at the local branch of Macosquin where he became Secretary. He also served as Chairman of the Beef and Lamb Committee and Vice Chairman of the Seeds and Cereals Committee as well as becoming group Chairman of the County Londonderry UFU group.

In 1979-1980 Greer served as President of the Greenmount Association, then later in an advisory capacity and was also President of the UFU (1996-1997). In 1997 he was to win the Telegraph Cup. Meanwhile he found time to also serve on the Livestock and Meat Commission board 2003 -2009.

Greer’s devotion to the industry gained him an OBE in 1997 for his services to Agriculture.

His passion, enthusiasm and dedication for agriculture during his time in the industry has been immense, in particular his time as President which concurred with the outbreak of BSE across these islands, which landed Greer a workload over and above the call of duty which he stepped up to!

Greer always had a word for everyone he met and was a patient listener. His cheery smile endeared him to the whole world. He had a deep faith and was a devout member of Ballylagan Reformed Presbyterian Church where his work and dedication were greatly appreciated.

In 1999 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which he suffered with great courage and dignity. He carried on working as best he could until he was no longer able in the last couple of years. The nursing and wonderful patience of his loving wife Rosemary and his family was a source of great comfort to him and eased his suffering.

Rosemary, their son Mark, his wife Pamela, granddaughters Amy and Rachel and the wider family circle have our sincere sympathy.