As we look forward to a new year, Emily Ashworth speaks to three of the new NFU student ambassadors about their plans for a changing era.
As the saying goes, the future belongs to those who prepare for it, and as agriculture heads into a new era and policies and practices change, those who will form the next generation of farmers have their own ideas of what the industry will look like. The NFU has been appointing student ambassadors for three years, using young and vibrant voices to inspire, influence and engage.
The year-long programme also gives the chosen students a chance to work alongside the NFU to really help shape the farming sector and support and celebrate all the hard work which goes into the industry. To take part, you must be between the ages of 18 and 26, but the most important thing is to have is true passion for British farming.
Mike Wilkins, 26
WITHIN the first five minutes of chatting, it is clear Mike Wilkins has a passion for a lot of things. Be this his job, education of the British public or promoting diversity within the industry, he has a varied list of priorities, all of which he hopes to champion over the next year.
At 26, this was his last chance at joining the ambassador programme, admitting he was surprised at how progressive and forward-thinking the NFU is. And part of the attraction for Mike was the programmes commitment to improving the industrys diversity issue.
As a gay man in agriculture, he is committed to showcasing what a good industry it is to work in, and although attitudes are changing, there is still a lot of work to do.
He says: That is what I found exciting about the NFU. I did think it was for older people, like my grandad, but I was surprised at how central inclusivity and diversity was in the application. These pledges are the kind of things which need to be done to tackle it wider society has dealt with it well and we are getting better, but we need that visibility of different ethnicities and backgrounds.
Mike, who studied agriculture and farm business management at The Royal Agricultural University, currently works for a farming business which in total manages 1,457 hectares (3,600 acres) on the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire border. The business, CP Farming, looks after 12 farms, encourages holistic farming practices and puts a big focus on collaborative working.
Food production in an environmentally positive way and the effect farming can have on climate change are things Mike would really like to communicate to the public.
He says: To reach our target of net zero by 2050, it is vital agriculture has a seat at the table. As an ambassador, I would love to have that conversation with the public on how we can achieve net zero by supporting local, high-quality UK-produced products. We need to have a louder voice so we can engage, because people are really buying into it. But we need to engage with mainstream media better.
We, as farmers, are doing the right thing, and we are doing what the public wants, but we need to make sure it is heard. It is an incredibly exciting time and I am enthused by all of the opportunities.
Jessica Langton, 21
JESSCIA Langton has a motto, and that is, she says, to never say no. Her main goal is to give farming a voice and, by taking on all the opportunities given to her, she feels more doors will open and allow her to have more say. This is precisely why Jessica wanted to apply for the NFU ambassador programme.
She says: I have seen what it has done for the people involved before and how it can influence the next generation.
Hailing from a 57-hectare (140-acre) dairy farm in Derbyshire, Jessica is passionate about climate change and nature and educating consumers on the sustainable practices within British farming. And as an animal science student at the university of Nottingham, she is keen to encourage new entrants into the industry.
She says: Employers are not looking far enough. People with no background in farming are just as good, if not better in some cases. The same jobs are not advertised in agricultural universities, for example, that are advertised in mine.
Evidently not one to take a moments rest, Jessica is on the NFU Dairy Board and is also one of just two UK finalists in the Bayer Youth Ag Summit, where each entrant had to propose a plan to feed a hungry population.
She says: It is clear climate change is a global emergency. I proposed a series of farming videos promoting local foods and backing British farming. There is a stigma around UK standards.
She is certain our industry can play its part in reaching the net zero target, but reiterates that farmers need to make sure it is also profitable. But for Jessica, long-term plans are focused on being able to influence future farming policies.
She says: Young people need to step up that is why I joined the NFU dairy board. I can bring a different perspective and we need to be the voice of the future. It is hard for young people to get involved in shaping policies. These help to shape the future and the NFU is a good gateway to being able to do that.
Sian Eleri Davies, 24
SIAN Eleri Davies has recently found herself back at the family farm in Builth Wells, Wales, helping to push the business in a new direction. What has always been a traditional beef and sheep farm through multiple generations is now set to enter a new era, as Sian and her parents welcomed 90,000 broiler chickens on to their 304-hectare (750-acre) part owned, part rented enterprise last year.
The family rents a further 445ha (1,100 acres) on a nearby estate, but it is this idea of future-proofing that Sian believes is key, as many farm businesses will look to navigate through the loss of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and seek out new income streams. And these policy changes are exactly what Sian wishes to be involved with.
She says: Not everyone can diversify. We own a farm, but we are tenants as well. With new incentives, will active farmers get rewarded as well? And will we get rewarded for the work we have already done, such as maintenance payment for tree planting and carbon sequestration? I would like to be at the forefront of policy change and the restructure of BPS.
Sian, who studied agri-business at Aberystwyth University and has recently been an NFU Cymru Next Gen forum member, says we need to ensure land is not taken away from food production for the sole purpose of trying to be environmentally friendly.
She says: Food production and the environment go hand in hand and we are trying to feed a growing population. I would like to highlight food security and British standards.
Being an NFU student ambassador will also enable Sian to engage with MPs and retailers and address issues on a national level and is keen to encourage more young people and women into the industry, working closely with Stella Owen, who founded She Who Dares Farms.
Sian says: Id like to work with Stella, our county adviser, along with supporting the first female chair of Brecon and Radnorshire at NFU Cymru, Sharon Hammond, to show anyone can be in the industry. Across all boards we need more women involved.
