Tips for young farmers on making media appearances

Ben Chilman has received a raft of requests to appear on TV and radio since he won the coveted Farmers Weekly Ag Student Award last autumn.

The most recent was from BBC Midlands Today, which spoke to him about phosphate levels in the River Wye.

“They wanted a farmer’s point of view and the River Lugg, a tributary of the Wye, flows through our land,” says the 23-year-old, who’s back on the mixed family farm in Herefordshire. 

See also: What makes an ag student an award winner?

Ben, who graduated from Harper Adams University in 2022, jumped at the chance to convey key farming messages.  

“I was keen to stress that while farming does, of course, have a role to play in keeping rivers clean, it’s also important farming remains viable, if new legislation is introduced.

“I’m always conscious that you don’t want to come across as a moaner, so I do try to be positive.”

Do your homework

With experience behind the mic, both as a commentator for his local football team and through presenting his own podcast, EweTurn, Ben approaches media interviews with a few soundbites in mind, but doesn’t try to memorise comments.

“Know your key messages, but don’t script it,” Ben says.

“Interviews can be intimidating, even when they’re not live, but if you’re honest about your opinions and positive that will go a long way.

“I’m not a fan of watching myself back, although it can be useful to see where you improve.”

One request came from BBC Hereford and Worcester, asking him to talk live on the radio about Environmental Land Management.

“I tried to explain that while there was much to be encouraged by, I was worried about the future of upland and tenanted farmers.

“The worse thing that can happen is if they say: ‘We tried to get hold of a farmer, but no one wanted to speak to us.’

“It’s important the public should hear from young people. The older generations provide the experience, wisdom and knowledge, but the younger generation is the one that will have to drive through changes over the coming decades.”

Winning formula

Winning the 2022 Ag Student of the Year Award has been a fantastic experience and opened many doors in terms of giving him a platform, he says. 

“I got nominated without knowing, but I then was interviewed by a previous winner and two of the FW team. It’s always good to be yourself in an interview situation. A smile goes a long way, too.”

For those considering putting themselves forward for the 2023 award, he recommends identifying what makes you stand out.

“What have you done that might be different to someone else – perhaps beyond your studies? It might not even be related to farming and the countryside, but it’s something that shows you have a skill set other people don’t. Think outside the box!”

For Ben, the podcast certainly provided a talking point.

He says: “I tried to explain our motivation for launching it was to have conversations about some of the subjects that aren’t talked about as much as they should be – such as mental health and isolation.

“That’s about the only disadvantage of being back home on the farm in an isolated area, and I can go days – if not a week – without seeing anyone, especially at a busy time like lambing.

“But I love it. Variety is the spice of life and no two days are the same.”