AUTUMN 2012

STUDENTS ANSWER THE BIG

QUESTIONS

TOPGRADUATESCHEMESIN THE FARMINGINDUSTRY

THE FRESHERS’ WEEK EDITION

FREEFREENFU STUDENTMEMBERSHIP

MAKE THIS YEARYOUR BEST YET

THE NFUWHAT CAN

MEET OURCOLLEGE

COLUMNISTS

&KEEPCALM FARM

September 2012 00

September 2012 03

It would be easy for farming to live completely in the moment. Tackling day-to-day farm jobs, finishing that all-important essay, filling in that vital form. But the most important thing about farming is its future. And that’s where you come in.

We at the NFU know that the future will be challenging. But we are convinced that you are up to the challenge. With that in mind, we created #studentfarmer. We hope this magazine will show you the many different options you have at your fingertips and why choosing agriculture is the best decision you ever made.

Farming has always, and will always, be front-page news. It’s up to you to write the headlines.

Thank you for picking up this magazine – we hope you enjoy it! Let us know what you think by talking about #studentfarmer on Twitter and follow us on Instagram (search for ‘studentfarmer’).

And make sure you sign up to our free NFU student membership – that way, you might be able to let us know what you think of #studentfarmer on a brand new iPad 3.

Published by: NFU, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ

Designed by: John Cottle

To advertise contact:David Leach-Davies02476 858955david.leach-davies@nfu.org.uk

1 8 H a r r i e t W i l s o n14 FARMING BY NUMBERS

5 F o r e w o r d6 What can the NFU do for you?

9 WIN AN iPAD 3!11 Next Generation Policy Forum1 2 P o w e r m e e t s p a s s i o n

t r a v e l t h e w o r l d

3 9 G a r e t h B a r l o w

22 WHY YFC?2 5 M a t t S h a r p

C O N T E N T S

2 7 D i a r y d a t e s31 Is the NFU for you? 32 What have graduatesg o n e o n t o d o ?3 5 G r a d u a t e s c h e m e s

4 2 P O S T E R

Emily ColeEditor of #studentfarmerstudentfarmer@nfu.org.uk

4 0 F U R T H E R Y O U R E D U C A T I O N

2 0 L e a r n , e a r n a n d

September 2012 05

I don’t think there has been a more exciting yet challenging time for people entering the agricultural industry during my lifetime.

The dramatic changes in global demand for food set against a background of climate change means that the years of surplus are behind us. This creates a great opportunity for farmers to break out of the spiral of declining public subsidy and look to the market for their income.

Of course there must be public money for public goods: payment for environmental services, support for innovation and skills. But not forever the cheque for farming itself – although we are a long way from that situation today.

I am really excited by the attitude of today’s farming students. Whether they have a farm to inherit or are looking for one of the increasing number of careers in large-scale farming companies both in the UK and overseas, they all want the chance to compete fairly with other countries.

Our industry, the beginning of the whole food supply chain, is in real need of the skills which you will gain at college – make the most of the opportunity!

Jim PaiceFormer Minister for Agriculture and Food

It’s great to see agriculture courses across England and Wales well subscribed, especially as it undermines those industry ‘doom merchants’ who love a bad news story. Policy makers immerse themselves in debate about the relative priority for food, environmental or energy security and farming’s contribution: important stuff, but is it as important as securing the next generation of farmers and growers? I don’t think so! It’s our job at the NFU to ensure that we understand what the industry needs to remain productive and profitable. This means not just tackling the here and now – CAP reform, the dairy crisis or bovine TB – but also the long-term concerns of the next generation of farmers – such as succession planning, investment and applied research. I’ve found it a huge privilege to be involved in the NFU as this gives me a unique opportunity to meet the ‘new crop’ of farmers across England and Wales. The overwhelming impression is of a group that wants to make a difference, has the skills to run successful businesses and understands that consumers and taxpayers expect leading standards of animal welfare and environmental care alongside high quality food. It’s a huge credit to the next generation that this focus on excellence in business is such a priority. Like agricultural students across the country, the NFU is in farming and horticulture for the long term. We are the largest farm membership association in Europe with offices in Brussels, Westminster and Cardiff, close to ministers, MEPs, MPs and civil servants. But we are close to our members too. What this gives the NFU is great connections, with government as well as with grass root farmers and growers. Being involved with the NFU, reading our publications and visiting our website will give you too a chance to see and influence the future shape of our great industry.   

Adam QuinneyNFU Vice President

INTRODUCTION

06 #studentfarmer

YOUThe NFU knows that attracting the best young talent into farming is vital.

So we ne ed to give you the right to ols and sup port – and a few perks to o.

Join the NFU for fre e today

WEWANT

When you’re a student, the saying ‘the best things in life are free’ suddenly takes on a

new meaning. The NFU gets this. And that’s why it is completely, 100 per cent free to become an NFU student member.

You are the future of British farming. The NFU is your voice. A voice that’s stronger when we act together. That’s why every member matters to the NFU. Join today and shape the future of British farming.

And, if that wasn’t enough, NFU student membership also offers you a host of amazing benefits, services, savings and discounts.

As an NFU student member, you will get access to a whole host of benefits that will support your studies and keep you up to date. Not to mention brilliant discounts.

A huge amount of information is at your fingertips in briefings on the latest

legislation affecting farming.We strongly believe it

is essential that the next generation of

farmers has its say and gets its point across. By becoming a member you become part of the NFU and this

gives you a direct link

to the largest agricultural

organisation in the UK. As a member you

can directly influence the future of agriculture. Together

we are stronger.When you join, the weekly NFU

Bulletin will be delivered directly to your inbox – an exclusive overview of the week’s most topical stories. This ensures that as an NFU member you will be the very first to receive the latest industry news and information.

Your very own member login to our website, www.nfuonline.com, gives each student member a VIP pass to a wealth of downloadable reference material – from briefings on SPS regulations to fuel storage. A resource sure to give you the edge at college.

The NFU publishes a range of newsletters – all are available to you. If you have a special interest in crops, sugar, livestock, poultry, horticulture, dairy or the environment then you can stay up to date with the appropriate NFU newsletter.

September 2012 07

And you get some great money saving benefits too!

Save on exciting days out with Merlin Entertainments at attractions such as Madame Tussauds, Alton Towers and Legoland

Save 10 per cent when you book a holiday with Cottages 4 You

10 per cent off with Present Finder

Great discounts on airport parking with APH Ltd

Take the Welfare of Animals in Transport certificate with the NFU and Lantra for only £35+vat and ensure you are legally covered to transport animals

Get up to 20 per cent off trailer training with a number of providers around the country

FULL NAME | D.O.BHOME ADDRESS | TERM ADDRESS

MOBILE NUMBER | EMAILCOLLEGE | COURSE

To join email membership@nfu.org.ukputting #studentfarmer in the

subject header and including thefollowing details:

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WEWANT

Every student that signs up for our 100 per cent, completely free membership will also be automatically entered into a prize draw for...

NEED ANOTHER REASON?NEED ANOTHER REASON?

September 2012 09

Everyone that signs up for free

NFU student membership will

automatically be entered into

a draw to win a new iPad 3! So, in

addition to all the other benefits

you will receive, you could also be

starting the new academic year

in style, thanks to John Deere.

Worth £399, the iPad 3 features

a breakthrough retina display, a

five-megapixel camera, ultra-fast

wireless and video recording. And

that’s just the start.

Learn to be the bestJohn Deere has always focused

on training and education as

key elements in the company’s

continuing growth and success

worldwide. The company

strives to attract and retain

talented, committed people

from all backgrounds, and part

of this involves identifying and

encouraging the best candidates for

full-time employment.

As part of this process, John

Deere has offered work experience

placements to sandwich course

students for 25 years – indeed,

the company’s managing director

Richard Johnson was awarded the

first ever student placement at

John Deere when he was studying

agricultural engineering at Harper

Adams in 1987.

“We like to get across the

message that the agricultural

and turf machinery industry

is an exciting, challenging and

rewarding career choice for young

people,” said John Deere’s training

manager Chris Wiltshire. “New

staff very quickly find themselves

working with highly sophisticated

equipment, from computerised

controls and satellite navigation

systems to advanced, fuel-efficient

engines and Formula 1

transmission technology.

“The need for skilled people

working in our industry has never

been greater, and we believe that

our training programmes and

full-time job opportunities offer an

ideal career development path to

anyone with a keen interest in the

land-based industries.”

Further details are available on

the John Deere website training

section at www.johndeere.co.uk

To enter, email all the requested

details on the previous page to

membership@nfu.org.uk with

the subject ‘#studentfarmer’.

WINAN iPAD!

Sponsored by

September 2012 11

The NFU wants to hear you!The views of younger farmers are important to the NFU. So we set up the Next Generation Policy Forum to enable us to hear them loud and clear.

Established in 2011, the forum is made up of 16 younger members of the NFU who were keen to put across their views on current policy issues.

Between these 16 members, all regions and sectors are represented, making their debates truly cross-sector.

So far, the group has visited the NFU’s Stoneleigh headquarters, London office and a trip to Brussels is planned for October.

Determined to make their views heard, the group has already met with farming minister Jim Paice and a number of other influential industry figures.

Chairman William LawrenceAs chairman of the newly-formed Next Generation Policy Forum, William Lawrence is focused on what younger members can bring to the NFU as an organisation.

“The Next Generation Forum results in a two-way channel of communication, giving members an insight and belief in what the NFU is doing, and giving the NFU a huge, often untapped resource of a demographic that might not be represented on the different commodity boards.”

And William is ideally placed in coordinating the group, after working in several different sectors of the industry before returning home to the family farm.

“I could have gone straight back to the farm after university. But I decided to take a job with an agricultural consultant in our local area. The six years spent working in this role gave me a good background in a lot of different systems in a short period of time. It was invaluable to get this experience in the real world after university.”

Then, when a position came up in the policy department at the NFU, William jumped at the chance. But, as time moved on, he realised that he wanted to return to farming. “The time was

right for me to go home – the industry was looking up and things were more hopeful.”

William now farms 950 acres in partnership with his parents on the Pembrokeshire coast. The business is made up of a 250 cow dairy herd, 200 head of beef plus followers and 400 acres of arable cropping.

The issue with dairy is that there is always so much uncertainty with prices, he explains. “It’s about making short-term markets stronger for the producer. Other countries manage to get the right incentives and that’s the challenge that’s been laid down for us. We have to adapt and rise to this challenge” he urged.

And the industry can’t afford to stand still, he adds. “We have to look at the bigger picture, especially now. There will be 9bn mouths to feed in 2050 and we all have a part to play in this. The long-term outlook is positive, if only we can get over the medium term challenges.”

The NFU’s involvement in milk contract negotiations is pivotal in getting over these tests, he maintains. And in establishing the Next Generation Policy Forum, it’s enabling younger members to have a voice.

“Firstly, the barriers to succession could be eased by increasing availability to finance for new entrants. Things like subsidised loans, tax breaks and better access to finance could all play a part in encouraging young people into the industry.”

Matchmaking potential young entrants with those wanting to downscale or come out of farming could also play a part in pooling talents to enable the next generation to get on the ladder.

“It’s about having long-term vision and short-term survival, and that is what the forum is trying to encourage,” he said.

SPEAK UP

POWER MEETS PASSIONMeet Chris, Charles and Christina. They are all in the middle of degrees at agricultural colleges and all three are part of McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer scheme for the next year. On their first day on the job, they got to sit down with Caroline

Spelman, the former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. We eavesdropped. She told them why they are so important to the government. We quizzed them on what their future holds. Here’s what we learnt.

What could the government do for young farmers to make their lives easier?Create more opportunities for young farmers. There are people out there who want to get involved but it’s so difficult unless you’re on a farm or your family is in the industry. The government is helping, but it could do more.

How much confidence do you have in the government right now?It is more on our side than the previous government, without a doubt. This government appreciates the fact that the population is growing and that farming is essential.

Favourite memory of college?If I could remember, I’d tell you!

What is it about your generation that’s so great?Energy and passion. If we didn’t love it, we wouldn’t be here.

What piece of fancy dress should all freshers invest in?A skirt.

What are your plans post-college?I’d like to go into the genetics side of things, helping to improve animal breeds.

How much confidence do you have in the government right now?I think they are listening to us more. They helped get an agreement in the dairy crisis – hopefully they understand and know where we are coming from.

What could the government do for young farmers to make their lives easier?Something about farming should be put into the curriculum because a lot of people don’t know about the different sides to farming – such as the technology.

What it is about your generation that is so great?The resources and opportunities we get given at university.

What piece of fancy dress should all freshers invest in?A Smurf outfit!

CHRIS FOX CHRISTINA FORD

And here’s what Caroline Spelman MP had to say.... “I promise you – in coming into office we made it our number one priority in our business plan to support the

British food and farming industry to produce more food sustainably. We hear the frightening statistic that

there will be 9bn people in the world by 2050 – a more startling statistic is that there will be an extra billion

people in just 13 years. If you look around the world at who has the necessary ingredients to produce more

food, northern Europe is well placed. We have a moral obligation to produce more and we somehow have to

do it with less cost to the environment. We have faith in you.”

12 #studentfarmer

September 2012 13

What is it about your generation that’s so great?We know the challenges and we want to overcome them. We know we have a lot of responsibility – but we are looking forward to achieving it.

What could the government do for young farmers to make their lives easier?We need better connections between farming people and those who want to get into farming. You hear about people who have a farm but whose children aren’t interested. But there are people I know at university who are studying agriculture who don’t come from a farming background who would give their left arm to have a farm.

How much confidence do you have in the government right now?They are listening and are very switched on about where the industry needs to go.

What piece of fancy dress should all freshers invest in?Anything colourful and wacky – go see what they have in charity shops!

CHARLES CLACKWe know the challenges

and we want to

overcome them

14 #studentfarmer

Amount of England’s river length considered to be of good biological quality as a result of help from farmers

Increase in the UK farm workforce

2010

2011

10THOUSAND

2011

£23.65bn

2005

£14.59bn

62%Increase in gross output

Hectares of UK land in agri-environment schemes

In 2010 the UK’s

self-sufficiency in all

food was only 60 per

cent. That’s down 15 per

cent from the 1991 level.

Increased food security

is our aim and with your

help we can get there

Almost one third of all farmers

and growers across England

and Wales are involved in

some form of renewable

energy production and supply

138,750 miles

Public rights of way in England and Wales

In the past 15 years over 50,000 new ponds have been created in England

Potential greenhouse

gas (CO2) savings from

land-based renewables

by 2020

73%2009

63%

1990

12MILLION TONNES

9,000,000The number of farmers and growers that are part of the

Red Tractor Assurance chain

78,000

3

FARMING BY NUMBERSFARMING IS IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE...

60%

September 2012 15

BUT, FARMING CAN, AND HAS TO, DELIVER MORE

The public loves farming. Now. This could change – it’s in your hands. How will you let them know how good a job you’re

doing? Social media will continue to grow.

500m users 800m users

-10%

+1.5oC

We currently waste 30 per cent of food

worldwide – this has to change

The average summer temperature is expected to shoot up by 1.5°C by

the 2020s

Summer rainfall could decrease by 10 per cent

by 2020

Global energy demand will increase by 45 per cent between 2006 and 2030 and could double between now and 2050

32kg52kg

Consumption of meat will increase from 32kg per person, per year to 52kg by 2050

30%

9,000,000,000The global population is set to increase from 7bn to 8bn by 2030

and 9bn by 2050

X XX X

-80%The UK is legally bound

to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent

by 2050

Demand for water for agriculture could rise by over

30 per cent by 2030

but are you Ready for the challenge? Is the glass half full, or half empty?Half full...? Welcome to farming.

Statistics taken from the NFU Farming Delivers for Britain campaign, The Foresight Report and Farming Futures.

36

Extreme weather events

will increase

Photos by: Richard Stanton

Words: Harriet Wilson

September 2012 19

Growing up on our family farm near Stafford, my early years comprised looking after lambs with my younger sister or jumping on the back of the Land Rover to check the cattle. With the farm mostly

dedicated to beef production I was able to halter train cattle for showing and exhibit at various regional and national shows, gaining many championships along the way. I was desperate to join my local young farmers club from an early age, however my parents took the decision to prolong the time until they had to become a full-time taxi service until I was 14. With regards to my education, I couldn’t wait to finish sixth form to finally begin student life at Harper Adams University College. Mum was desperate for me to keep an open mind and took me to look at other colleges, but being surrounded by current and past Harper students, my decision had been set in stone for a long time.

So why is the next generation so important to agriculture? It is obvious really; young people bring with them new ideas, new skills, enthusiasm and share a passion to drive the whole agricultural industry forward. The average age of a UK farmer is currently 58 and so attracting young people into agriculture is essential in order to overcome future challenges. The advantages of agriculture have always been obvious to me even though the disadvantages were more prominent at times during foot-and-mouth and BSE for example. The food sector is one of Britain’s most important indigenous industries, providing a variety of occupations. This industry is extremely dynamic and offers many opportunities for young people. British farmers should be proud to produce quality food for the nation, maintain our beautiful countryside and welcome a more sustainable integrated food chain.

I believe that the NFYFC and agricultural colleges play the most vital role in encouraging young people into the agricultural industry. As a member of a YFC, many doors are opened for young people including networking, skill acquisition and opportunities to gain achievements and to travel. Within my own club, Eccleshall YFC, we have seen so many young people enter agriculture from non-farming backgrounds as a result of their experiences within young farmers. It is a great way to gain connections in order to find reliable skilled staff, gain employment or work with friends helping out each other’s businesses.

The role of an agricultural college is primarily to educate the next generation and equip them with the connections, research and information to reinforce their interest in agriculture and to help them to become successful.

At Harper Adams I am studying for a BSc in agri-food marketing with business studies and I am currently working for McDonalds as their agriculture coordinator during my placement year. On completion of my degree, I hope to gain a post-graduate placement within the agricultural/product development department of a food retailer or with a major supplier. With a better understanding of supply chains and supermarket demands, I ultimately hope to return to the family farm and work alongside my parents to develop our beef enterprise. My time at college has been incredible so far, I have met so many amazing people and had some great laughs; it’s like a second family and there is nowhere like it. And let’s not forget the social life, which is second to none. Even though we work hard, we certainly know how to play hard.

We may have many challenges ahead of us but we have a growing population that needs to be fed, a stunning countryside to maintain, research to pursue and traditions to continue. So why not pursue a career in agriculture?

20 #studentfarmer

BROADEN YOURHORIZONS

Sheep shearingBelieve it or not, this annual task could be your ticket to travelling the globe.

The British Wool Marketing Board holds shearing courses every year for all abilities across the country. Trainees can learn the best techniques and work towards four seals, depending on their ability; blue, bronze, silver and gold.

Senior instructor Doug Lambie said: “From the age of 17, for ten years I did nothing but shear – it was a great way to see the world, and I would never have been able to see it any other way. It took me to places such as New Zealand, America, Italy and the Falklands and has been a huge part of my life.”

Doug added that the experiences shearing provides for young people are invaluable and that the prospect of earning money, while seeing the world, is a great opportunity for many. And with UK shearers now being some of the best in the world, the time is right for young people to get out there. “A few years ago we looked up to New Zealand and Australia, but now some of the top

Not all those who wander are lost...Finishing your degree this year? Got itchy feet? If you’re not quite ready yet to enter the full-time world of work, your farming skills and knowledge will provide you with the means to travel and broaden your horizons and equip you with valuable skills for when you arrive back home.

shearers in the world are from the UK,” he said. And, as well as seeing the world, shearing provides

young people with valuable skills. “You have to work in a team when you are shearing – it’s not like working with dad, where you can throw your teddy out of the pram – you can’t do that in a team. Shearing also improves social skills – it is good fun, as well as being very competitive and addictive,” Doug said.

“I went travelling before I

to ok up shearing, but I wish

I had done it the other way

round. I was offered some

shearing work abroad, but I

didn’t fe el confident enough

– now I’m disap pointed that

I missed out”

Richard BaughSheep shearing course attendee

September 2012 21

Worried about money?Farmers are a friendly bunch: there are lots of grants and awards out there that could help you. Here are just a few:

The Worshipful Company of Farmers: The Company has awards available for young farmers who are looking to gain practical experience overseas. www.farmerslivery.org.uk

The John Platt travel scholarship: Do you live or work in Cheshire? The Cheshire Agricultural Society offers a £2,000 travel scholarship every year. Each applicant is asked to outline a project and successful applicants will make a presentation of their findings to the society upon their return.

Friends of Lancaster Agricultural Society: A fund of £5,000 is available each year for young farmers living, working or studying in Lancashire.

The Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Scholarship: £2,500 is available for famers in West Wales to learn more about agriculture in other countries. Open for applicants considering travelling in the UK, Europe or further afield.

The Rich Wigram New Zealand farming scholarship: Set up in memory of Rich Wigram by his family and friends in both the UK and NZ, this scholarship offers young people in the UK the chance to experience dairy farming in NZ. Applicants are interviewed in January/February, so the chosen person can travel in July. www.richwigramnzscholarship.org

Nuffield scholarships: One to bear in mind for the future, as you won’t be eligible until you are 22 and have been working in the agricultural industry for two years. To secure a Nuffield scholarship, you must submit a proposal and, if selected, you will receive a bursary of £6,500 towards travel expenses. The award is a great way to travel the world and make invaluable contacts. www.nuffieldscholar.org

“There is always a go od

atmosphere when you are

shearing and usually a lot of

practical jokes to o! Everyone

has a laugh, which makes it

easier to learn. And it is

addictive to get even faster

– you constantly try to

better yourself”

James HerrickSheep shearing course attendee

AgriVentureIt’s difficult to look at the AgriVenture website without mentally planning a gap year – you’ve been warned. The organisation will help you plan a farm work placement in another country and the possibilities are endless. Possible destinations include Australia, Canada, Japan and Norway, and there is the option to travel around the world if you want to experience life on more than one continent. You can also tailor the experience to your own needs – you can

choose how long you travel for and how structured your plan is. Visit www.agriventure.com for

more information.

22 #studentfarmer

For many people, young farmers are best known for their love of fancy dress, their imaginative

fundraising ideas and a penchant for an occasional pint of cider.But being a member of NFYFC offers more than that.

Young Farmers Clubs were set up to focus on agricultural education and for the National

Why YFC?The social side of joining a Young Farmers Club is

legendary – but what else can the organisation offer you?

Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, training its 25,000 members remains at its heart.

Through club, county and national level training courses, young farmers can develop practical on-farm skills around safety and business management, as well as wider skills such as communication, team-building and networking.

The federation also links up with organisations to offer more industry-specific courses and has recently launched a meat marketing training scheme with Eblex for people interested in pursuing a career in livestock production.

“Many young people leave college thinking their education is over, when in fact it is only just beginning,” said Helen Reeve, chairwoman of NFYFC’s agriculture and rural affairs committee.

“Progression in training is essential to build up new skills to help young farmers both at work and at home.”

Ms Reeve said Rural Development grants enable club and county federations to

September 2012 23

fund workshops and training sessions on agricultural skills and business.

“NFYFC’s training programme incorporates leadership and personal development, plus innovative agricultural training events,” she added.

“Being a member of young farmers offers a wealth of opportunities such as study trips, industry workshops and forums.

“We may be having fun, but NFYFC’s ethos is also about learning and achievement.”

Courses include leadership development, dry stone walling, FarmSkills, sheep shearing and health and safety training.www.nfyfc.org.uk

Richard ThomasYoung farmers has played an important part in Richard Thomas’ life. A member for 16 years, he has been county chairman for Herefordshire, West Midland area chairman and now sits on the national agriculture and rural affairs committee.

“It all began with me playing a lumberjack at a Christmas pantomime,” he said. “Then I got into stockjudging and I was hooked.”

Being part of Young Farmers has enabled Richard to try his hand at a number of different tasks, from flower arranging at the county rally, to shearing and hedgelaying. “On the back of learning skills like shearing, I now run a small shearing

round with a friend which keeps me busy nearly the whole of June.

“You can’t put a high enough price on being part of an organistion like Young Farmers. It not only gets like-minded young people together, but it also gives them a lot of life skills. I’ve seen quiet youngsters come out of themselves and go onto be a lot more confident.

“It’s a fantastic organisation that I cannot speak highly enough of.”

But what use would a degree in agriculture be? I knew of little other than farm management. Doing some work experience with an independent farm consultants and then Strutt and Parker opened my eyes to farm consultancy and agronomy and what was actually involved.

My later experience with Farmers Weekly as part of a training course also made me realised the wealth of talent and opportunities within farming. After much debate between the places I’d been offered at the Royal Agricultural College, Harper Adams and Newcastle, I settled for Newcastle. They all have their good and bad points but Newcastle seemed to be the place for me, despite being a city campus which, at the time, I thought I’d struggle with.

Arriving at Newcastle was daunting, especially as I didn’t even turn up with a pen on my first day: this is not advisable. Freshers’ Week was excellent fun, as too are the agricultural society nights out, of which I’m a member. Fancy dress of all manners, road trips down to other universities and an array of sports are just part of the social life which complements a great course.

Aside from all the fun, university offers you much more. Meeting new people, new skills and new opportunities are just some of the benefits.

I can’t tell you why I want to farm; I just do. Livestock and arable farming both involve long hours and some unpleasant jobs. Going down the drier pit six months after harvest to clean out the wet, rotten and rat infested heaps of wheat is probably one of the worst. But there are some great jobs out there, some directly in farming and some in allied industries; sales, service, machinery, inputs, land agency and agronomy, just to name a few. You don’t need a degree to push a brush up and down a grain store but college or university opens so many doors for you whether you want to take on the family farm, start farming in your own right or take a job in the agricultural industry. So, my advice is seize every opportunity you get. Join the agriculture society, have fun and make sure you take a fancy dress box...you will need it.

September 2012 25

“You’re going to university! To be a farmer!” one of my friends exclaimed. Well, yes actually. To anyone not involved in farming, going to university to study agriculture may sound like

a silly idea. After all, who needs a degree to learn how to drive a tractor or milk a cow? Anyone with half a brain can learn how to drive, milk, muck out and do other general jobs around the farm.

But for me, it was more than that. Not coming from a farming background was a major disadvantage when trying to get into farming. No family farm and a lack of experience was the biggest problem. So I set about looking for some work. At 14 I managed to find a farm that would take me for some work experience. Stemming from this, I gained a wealth of experience in the arable, dairy, beef, sheep, pig and poultry sectors.

Not wanting to go to our local college and turning down my place at Bishop Burton, I embarked on A levels in business, biology, english and geography, dropping biology in the second year. Carrying on with part time work, I learnt more and more and it was only natural that after my A levels I’d go onto do a degree. Law, accountancy, business among others all looked like attractive options mainly because of the high paid salaries and good prospects upon graduation. But would I enjoy them? I highly doubted it. Being stuck inside away from farming did not appeal to me.

“I can’t tell you why I

want to farm; I just do”

Words: Matt Sharp

September 2012 27

SEPTEMBER 2012

10: Team GB Victory Parade24-30: Red Tractor Week

25-30: Ryder Cup

OCTOBER 2012

3-7: Horse of the Year Show15-21: Wool Week

17-18: National Fruit Show31: Halloween

NOVEMBER 2012

5: Bonfire Night6-7: CropWorld Global30: St Andrew’s Day

DECEMBER 2012

25: Christmas Day 26: Boxing Day

31: New Year’s Eve/ Hogmanay

JANUARY 2013

2-4: Oxford Farming Conference 16-17: LAMMA

20-26: Farmhouse Breakfast Week25: Burns Night

FEBRUARY 2013

2: Six Nations12: Pancake Day. Use British

milk and eggs!13-14: Energy Now Expo

14: Valentine’s Day27-28: NFU Conference

MAY 2013

Buy British asparagus!3-5: NFYFC AGM

6 and 27: Bank Holidays11: FA Cup Final

13: Pig and Poultry Live22-26: Chelsea Flower Show

JUNE 2013

ShearingFarm Safety Month2: 60th anniversary Queen’s coronation

9: Open Farm Sunday12-13: Cereals

16: Don’t forget Father’s Day!24-7 July: Wimbledon –buy British strawberries!

26-30: Glastonbury

JULY 2013

3-4: Livestock 20139-14: Hampton Court

Flower Show10: The Ashes

22-25: Royal Welsh Show

AUGUST 2013

HarvestEdinburgh Festival Fringe

26: Bank Holiday

MARCH 2013

Lambing1: St David’s Day

10: Don’t forget Mother’s Day!17: St Patrick’s Day31: Easter Sunday

APRIL 2013

1: April Fools’ Day6: Grand National

23: St George’s Day

DIARYDATES2012/13

DIARYDATES2012/13

September 2012 31

The NFU is the UK’s largest trade association, representing farmers and growers across England and Wales and is regarded as one of the most effective lobbying organisations in Europe,

negotiating with governments and pressure groups at a local, national, European and international level.

Would you like to work with and represent our membership? Every year we look for two talented individuals to join our two-year graduate scheme. If you hold a 2:1 degree, have a proven passion for our industry and the ambition to progress within the NFU, this may be the programme for you. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate excellent team working, problem solving, communication, planning and negotiation skills.

In return, we offer a salary of £18,000 per annum plus

relocation expenses (of up to £2,000) and a guaranteed two-year fixed-term contract. Our scheme provides an excellent basis from which to secure permanent employment with us, as we will have developed your knowledge of the NFU, the agriculture and horticulture industries and the issues facing our members. You’ll work across our policy, food and farming and regional offices and past graduate trainees have progressed to positions such as food and farming adviser, director of the Brussels office, and even a previous director general.

The scheme is a fantastic opportunity to build on your existing knowledge, work with and learn from industry specialists and join an organisation with over one hundred years’ experience of farming and rural issues. Here’s what our recent graduates thought:

Is THE NFU for you?

Andi WitcombeMy first project took me to Wales to produce two Why Farming Matters documents which have since been used to lobby the Welsh government. Despite a winter’s worth of weight gain (beef pie after every board meeting) I had a brilliant insight into the workings of NFU Cymru over my five-month placement. One of my favourite days was spent touring the snowy Brecon Beacons on the back of a quad. My second project brought me to NFU HQ to work on the Green Food Project which looks at how to increase food production and minimise the impact on the environment over the next 40 years. I worked closely with Defra and the HGCA and my passport acquired a few more stamps, including Paris and London (I’m from the West Country; anything past Bristol is abroad for me). Being a graduate has given me brilliant opportunities to meet new people and move to different parts of the country.

Amy GrayWithin a week, I had attended my first corporate conference in London. My first project on antibiotics included a visit to the Houses of Parliament, a two-month secondment in Brussels, attending a conference in the Netherlands, representing the NFU at a Europe-wide platform meeting and presenting my findings to a range of industry experts, including the UK’s chief veterinary officer. My second project on the value of agriculture to the South West took me around the region. Although the scheme expects a lot, it also carefully nurtures its graduates, offering them the best opportunities to develop as individuals and progress within the organisation. It’s good to know that here at the NFU, we grow our own.

We will be looking to recruit our next round of graduates in summer 2013 (for a start in early autumn). To receive a text message when we launch next year, visit http://bit.ly/PEl9ce and complete our text alert form. If you are smart, passionate about agriculture and keen to learn from experts in their field – make sure you get in touch!

Amy Gray is looking forward to a bright future, thanks to the NFU graduate scheme

32 #studentfarmer

Adam Bedford Assistant director at the NFU’s Brussels Agriculture Bureau

I first got interested in farming by working on a local farm on a Saturday and eventually studied for an HND in land management at Askham Bryan College in York. I followed that with a one-year top-up to gain a degree in sustainable land use and then I went onto Newcastle University where I did an MSc in rural development and

resource management. When I left university I wanted to work on farming policy

rather than on a farm – although I do shear a few sheep in summer months – so I applied to join the NFU’s graduate scheme in 2007. I started out by working on NVZs in the South West region and then worked in both the North West and North East regions as a policy adviser covering all the farming sectors such as livestock, poultry and combinable crops and issues like Single Farm Payments and sheep EID legislation.

This year the opportunity came up to go and work for the UK’s farming unions in Europe. I am now based in Brussels, where I help advise and lobby MEPs and policy makers on farming issues connected to the food chain (such as the European work on the supermarket adjudicator) and animal health and welfare.

As I’m not from a farming background, covering the practical elements of agriculture at college was really useful in learning and understanding the concerns of farmers. The focus on rural development and farm policy in both the UK and wider Europe as part of my MSc has also been perfect for working regionally in the UK with the likes of the RPA and AHVLA and with other farming unions and organisations in Brussels.

WHAT HAVE GRADUATESGONE ON TO DO?A qualification in agriculture can open doors to a wide variety of different careers.

Caroline Stocks talks to agricultural graduates who have taken less obvious career paths

Luke Paterson Independent brokerI wasn’t very academic and left school with three GCSEs. I went to catering college initially and started working in kitchens peeling vegetables, but I realised it wasn’t for me so I enrolled on a one-year national certificate in agriculture course at Easton College and bridged on an NBA.

After that I enrolled at Harper Adams on a two-year HND course in agriculture, then I topped it up to a full degree by studying another year of

agriculture with agricultural marketing.After university I started working with

Syngenta as a trainee trialist, but it was only a 12-month contract so afterwards I went to work with Technology Crops. I really enjoyed my time with them as I was handling niche, novel crops. People were losing money on wheat at the time so I was looking at crops that could be profitable.

After the wheat price started climbing I went to Mike Porter – an agricultural broker I had met during my time at Technology Crops – and asked him for a job. I was with Mike for three years before he retired and in April 2011 I set up Paterson Ag, an independent brokerage. In my first year I brokered £6.4m of products and I hope to beat that in my second year. Alongside the brokerage company, this year I have taken on managing the arable side of my family farm, which is 1,800 acres combined with my uncle’s property.

My degree from Harper opened a lot of interview doors for me, but finding a mentor in Mike once I had decided what my ambition was has been vital.

September 2012

Colin WhittemoreProfessor of agriculture, University of Edinburgh

After I studied for a BSc in agriculture at Reading, I went back home to Essex and started working on a local farm.

There was no family farm to go back to and I realised it was a difficult industry to get into, so I started looking around for other jobs. A friend mentioned that

Natwest was looking for people for their agricultural services team, so I applied and somehow got a job there.

The role was back-office support, providing advice to the rest of the bank on agriculture and appraising farm business and lending applications. Part of the job was writing internal reports and it was something I really enjoyed, so when I saw a job come up for an arable reporter at Farmers Weekly I applied for it.

I had no journalistic training, but I was given a chance to prove myself and ended up working on the arable desk for over three years. I was then promoted to deputy editor on the magazine’s business desk and on top of that role, about 18 months ago, I was made farm energy editor.

Having worked on a technical desk writing about crops, as well as the business and energy desks, I have seen a wide variety of farm businesses and the allied industry. In any week you can be visiting the Ensus bioethanol plant in Teeside to dairy farms in the South West and anything in between.

I studied agriculture at Harper Adams in 1960 because I had done extraordinarily badly at school and it was the only place I could get into. I went thinking I was a dunce, but having grown up on a small dairy farm I was being taught something I was interested in and I realised I could be good at something.

After I left Harper I decided I wanted to teach, but I couldn’t get into university because my qualifications from school were so bad. I went back to night school and got my A levels, then went to Newcastle University as an older student which was great,

because I knew why I wanted to be there.During my degree I was involved in doing research in animal

behaviour. Finding answers to new questions excited me, so I knew I had to carry on with research by doing a PhD and spent four years looking at pig nutrition.

After that I got a call from the principal of Edinburgh University and I went and helped to set up and run the first metabolism unit there. Since then I have moved between the university and the college doing research and research management.

The whole purpose of my research has always been to solve real problems and to solve them you need to have a feel for what they are. A farming background has been very important in helping me do that.

Every step of the way has been helped by good people who spotted opportunities and said they were going to back me. It’s important to have those people, but you also need to show you are worth backing. Be open to the opportunities that are thrown at you – if anyone comes to you, the answer should always be yes.

Paul Spackman Agricultural journalist

“I had no journalistic

training, but I was

given a chance to

prove myself and ended

up working on the

arable desk for over

thre e years”

September 2012 35

BidwellsBy the end of the graduate development programme you will have achieved chartered status within your professional discipline. The three-year programme will set you up with all the skills you will need to forge a successful career as a property professional.www.bidwells.co.uk

SentryThe management training

programme features workshops

to help you develop your skills.

These range from training on all

farm machinery relevant to your

role, agronomy training, business

skills and health and safety.

www.sentry.co.uk

British SugarThe agricultural training scheme will build on the core agricultural, business or scientific skills you have gained at college. The scheme encompasses beet from field to factory and offers a job with real management team exposure from day one. Benefits? A starting salary of £25,000 and a £1,500 joining bonus.www.britishsugar.co.uk

GRADUATE SCHEMES

Velcourt

The farm management training scheme is a

intensive one-year programme based on one of

Velcourt’s farms, so that each graduate can

se e a full farming cycle. The scheme is bespoke

to each individual’s requirements. Perks?

Competitive salary, accommodation

and travelling and training expenses

are paid for by the company.

www.velcourt.co.uk

Dalehead Foods

The Fresh Start Pig Academy provides business

knowledge to entrepreneurial new entrants looking

to set up their own business in pig farming. The

course covers topics such as business planning,

environmental considerations and efficient

production. On successful completion of the course,

due to the nature of the BQP-Dalehead-Waitrose

supply chain, there are also tangible business

opportunities. Interested?

Email sophie.hope@dalehead.co.uk

ADAS UK Ltd Graduates from a wide range of disciplines are selected for the scheme and each trainee will have their own programme devised personally for them. A recent graduate is assigned to you as your ‘buddy’ and in the first year you will aim to progress so that you can be offered a permanent job and be promoted in the second year.www.adas.co.uk

The Co-op FarmsChoose from two graduate

management programmes: fresh

produce or mechanised cropping

management. The schemes are highly

regarded and you will get experience

on a range of farms in different

locations. Plus, you can apply and

defer your start for a year – perfect if

you are planning on travelling.

www.co-operative.jobs

Cla as

People work for Cla as in 140 countries – you will encounter other cultures and get to know traine es from other continents. And you design your own traine e programme placement plan with help from your own mentor, who provides you with advice and sup port.www.cla as.com

McDonald’s

A pioneering tra

ining

programme for yo

ung

farmers provides e

xperience

through the whole ag

ricultural

supply chain: f

rom farm, to

abattoir, to re

staurant.

www.mcdonalds.co.uk

#studentfarmer

Words: Gareth Barlow

September 2012 39

What do you want to do when you grow up? It’s a question we’re often asked in our early years and the answers are normally abundant. A few years down the line, a bit of growing

up, a reasonable dose of knowledge and a sprinkling of wherewithal and the situation isn’t always so clear-cut.

Starting out on your own and developing a business might not be the most obvious answer to the situation, but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t. I’m no Richard Branson and thankfully I don’t resemble Lord Sugar but I’d like to think I’ve learnt something through starting my business from scratch. And if I was to do it again there’s a few things I’d bear in mind.

Asking for help I was abysmal! Pride certainly came before a fall on numerous occasions as I attempted to battle with sheep by myself with no help or equipment. I believed as the novice businessman I was, that those more experienced, and far more capable, wouldn’t want to sacrifice their time to help. Wrong! There are many individuals who have a great desire to help and support young start-ups and see them flourish. The ways that the support may be administered varies hugely but there’s no need to struggle on alone. A problem shared is a problem halved, right? Right!

What if?If the circumstances are right and you aren’t being taken for a ride, then don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Not taking financial backing as early as you can may have no detrimental effect as to where you get to, but could you be somewhere else if you had said yes? Whatever decision you make, it’s imperative to carry on looking forward if you’re to succeed, but we all wonder ‘what if’ at least once. A wise person doesn’t overly fill their business career with ‘what ifs’.

Find your nicheThen carve it and expand. Occupying a niche enables you to compete and establish yourself where others don’t provide much competition or exist at all (just ensure it’s a good niche and not devoid for a reason).There are other benefits too; the supermarkets can’t rain on your parade – they won’t be able to exploit whatever it is you’re doing. Being different or having a story equals easier marketing and PR. The press love a good story, especially an unusual one – a huge bonus to a fledgling business that doesn’t always have the spare capital for a marketing budget. Possibly most important of all, it won’t take as long to become the market leader. Then you can shape, influence and drive your sector in a way that suits you and your business best and your competitors least.

Carpe diem Seize the day and then engage with it in the most appropriate way. Only the Queen still sends telegrams – whether you like it or not, the rest of the world is in the digital age and if you want to connect, communicate and sell to them then you need to be too. Twitter and Facebook are free and two of the most powerful websites in the world and thankfully you can harness them for your own gains to promote and spread knowledge of your business. However, don’t completely hide behind the computer screen – get out and about and spread your enthusiasm and passion about your business and products.

Most importantly of all, do what you enjoy and have fun. Only then will you achieve your very best.

“Do what you enjoy and

have fun. Only then will

you achieve your best”

40 #studentfarmer

So, you’ve loved your time at college and you have the degree and memories to prove it. Maybe you’re not ready

to leave? The agricultural industry needs people with high-level skills – undertaking a masters, MBA or even a PhD could put you ahead of the pack in your chosen career. Your knowledge of your subject will be top level, you will be up to date with the latest research and developments and you will be able to take a greater degree of responsibility for your work and time.

Grants and scholarshipsThe first question for anyone considering further education is: ‘How will I pay for it?’ Well, you’re not on your own. There are lots of grants and scholarships out there.

The AgriFood Charities PartnershipVisit www.afcp.co.uk for information on how to secure funding for your masters or PhD. Simply enter the qualification you hope to undertake

and your area of interest, and it will list organisations who may be willing to provide you with funding.

AHDBThe Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board sponsors a number of PhDs and MScs each year. For more on these opportunities visit the separate sector websites.

NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Centenary AwardThe NFU Mutual has run this award for the past two years for UK students with, or expecting to achieve, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a related degree, who have been accepted onto a masters or PhD course in agriculture. The award pays for up to 75 per cent of course fees for those students the judging panel believe are committed to the future of agriculture.

Student’s perspective After studying for a degree in agriculture at Reading University,

Lincolnshire-based Andrew Teanby decided to undertake a masters in rural land management at Harper Adams in order to gain a qualification as a consultant at Smiths Gore.

“I realised that, at 600 acres of cropping, the family farm wasn’t quite big enough to support both my father and I and, although I wanted to be involved as much as possible, there was also the possibility of having a full-time job off the farm,” he said.

“Doing a masters straight after my agricultural degree gave me far more insight into the business side of farming and a combination of skills that quickly proved useful to the family business,” he added.

Andrew has worked as a consultant for the past six years, however became a partner in the farm last summer. “I work as a consultant five days a week and try to fit in farm duties around this. We have contractors come in at harvest and I aim to predict when this is going to be so I can book time off, within reason.”

KEEPCALM

AND

FARM

www.nfuonline.com