Farmers reveal best advice for starting out in agriculture
A talk to aspiring young farmers in North Yorkshire has sparked a national conversation about starting out in agriculture and advice on how farmers of the future can build their careers.
Students at Settle College, Giggleswick, met with NFU North East regional director Adam Bedford to hear his advice on choosing a path and gaining experience in the world of farming.
Mr Bedford arrived at his talk on Wednesday (17 November) with words of wisdom from more than 50 farmers, rural consultants and people in the industry, after he used social media to request career tips before the meeting.
Adam Bedford (back row, far right) meets with students at Settle College © Adam Bedford
Speaking to a group of 16-18 year olds at a school today – all from family farms, all keen on farming and thinking about that whilst at school and wondering what’s next.
I have some thoughts but what’s your advice to them? They will be running the farm businesses of the future.
— Adam Bedford (@adambedders) November 17, 2021
People from across the country pitched in with their advice for the class of students who are all from a farming background and considering their future careers.
Ruth Craig, head of year 11 at Settle College, said the talk from Mr Bedford and the guidance from the other farmers was inspiring for the pupils.
The teacher said: “We value what they are going to do and want to give as much support as possible to be good at that. There is such a range of jobs open to them, and we want to give them as many different options as possible.”
Career advice
One of the main themes was to travel and get as much experience early on, that will prove valuable later in life.
Cambridgeshire farmer Tom Clarke (@Tom_Clarke) said: “Choose farming. Don’t let farming choose you. Get educated. Do other jobs. Live in a city. Work abroad. If farming is right for you, you’ll be back, and when you’re back you will bring all that treasure with you.”
Mixed farmer Will Evans (@willpenrievans), from North Wales, added: “Other jobs are tough; not just farming – get out of the farming bubble as much as you can and be aware of issues in wider society.
“Also, there’s no such thing as a ‘proper farmer’ anymore. Anything goes.”
Others reiterated the importance of education.
Emily Norton (@emilymnorton), head of rural research at land agent Savills, suggested going to business school.
Cornwall livestock farmer Rona Amiss (@grassfedsheep) said young people should do A-levels or gain a BTEC diploma and travel away from home to gain experience.
Tapping into industry knowledge and considering work in other parts of the supply chain were also recommended.
Northamptonshire farmer Mark Jelly (@PerkinsLodge) said: “Make as much use of free advice as possible, even before taking responsibility. Things like agronomy walks, AHDB events, etc, offer a great opportunity to pick up ideas, meet others and share experiences. CPD in ag is really valuable, but poorly provisioned at present, so make your own.”
NFU food chain adviser Christine McDowell said learning about how and why the supply chain works would help widen business skills by viewing the system through a non-farming lens.
Ms McDowell recommended finding work straight after school, or a graduate scheme after university.