How a Farmers’ Choir Helped a Dairy Farmer Rebuild His Life After Losing His Herd

When dairy farmer Marvin Kelso lost his entire herd to bovine tuberculosis, he was left with empty fields, a silent milking shed and the painful reality of starting again.

It was a traumatic time for Marvin, who had farmed all his life. Watching his neighbors tend to their cows made the loss even harder.

‘We have no milking stock and no adult stock’

Marvin lost his first batch of cows in November 2021. Around the same time, a friend from his farm in County Antrim, where farming had continued for three generations, passed away.

Another 120 cows were then removed, followed two months later by a further 40 cows.

“The authorities decided to buy the herd,” Marvin said.

“So by March 2022, we have no milking stock and no adult stock.”

Marvin and his wife, Ruth, who live near Portglenone, relied on their faith for “the strength to keep going.”

Finding support through the Farmers’ Choir

Marvin often sang in church, so when the Farmers’ Choir reopened near Ballymena that autumn, his sister encouraged him to join.

He described the choir as a “great lifter” and said singing was rewarding, different and a welcome relief from the pressures of day-to-day farming.

Four years later, Marvin has sung for the King, met music royalty and watched his choir set its sights on national awards.

Why farming can be a lonely and dangerous job

“Agriculture is a very lonely job, and it’s even lonelier than it was a generation ago because labor is so hard to come by,” he said.

“And it’s a very dangerous job, especially for men who are working alone.

“It can have a depressing effect, which is why participating in things like choirs and non-farm social events is good for everyone.”