Young Farmer Focus - George Elliott: "Since I was introduced to farming in my childhood, I have never doubted that a career in agriculture has been for me"

Since I was introduced to farming in my childhood, I have never doubted that a career in agriculture has been for me

Growing up on my Grandparent's small mixed-farm in Derbyshire, I spent my youth around farming and machinery.

See also:  Timo Cooper - Young Farmer Focus: "I think you have to accept mistakes do happen and it is a very natural process of learning a job"

After passing my tractor test and working on farms, I started buying vintage tractors and machinery.

This passion has continued to this very day which I see as a continuation of my life-long interest in business.

See also: Young Farmer Focus - Emily Black: "There was no other option than to head out and help my brother with the day-to-day running of the farm"

Once I completed my A Levels, I wanted to take a break from studying.

It was during this time I approached Bagshaws - an agricultural auctioneer in Derbyshire - about working and getting a job with them.

See also: Young Farmer Focus - Merryn Philp: "I have witnessed far too many people I know struggle with their mental health, some of which are no longer with us because of it"

After being successful in getting the job, I worked at farm machinery dispersals, livestock markets and everything else in between.

More than anything, I learned what makes the agricultural industry tick by getting to know people very well.

See also: Young Farmer Focus - Ellie Dugdale: 'I feel it is important to back British farmers as they continue to supply the nation with high quality food'

This is a really invaluable life lesson I will take with me forever.

I have gained experience on farms when I went to work for R&RW Bartlett in Staffordshire - a large fresh produce business predominantly growing carrots and parsnips - where I spent three years.

See also: Young Farmer Focus - Hannah Cuthbert: 'Farming is changing and young people like us are a part of this'

The fresh produce industry was something completely new to me but I very quickly developed a passion to be involved and learn more.

The attention to detail, specialised machinery, and opportunities available within the industry drew me to the sector even more.

See also: Young Farmer Focus: Molly Bampton - 'the days of defeat are enough to knock down even the most passionate and happiest of farmers'

I am now in my third year at Harper Adams University studying Agriculture with Mechanisation.

The course drew me to Harper Adams University because it combines my two biggest interests - agriculture and machinery.

See also:  Young Farmer Focus - Evie Rogers: "We have skilled individuals helping to provide food for our growing global population"

I have also started a placement year at JCB recently after being awarded a business scholarship with the company.

See also: Young Farmer Focus - Murray Craig: "I have made so many friends and made unbelievable memories which will live with me for a lifetime"

My year will be spent working with the agricultural sales team which I am looking forward to seeing through to the end.

It is a real privilege to be work for JCB.

Since I started, I have had exposure to the whole agricultural product range from Fastracs - the fastest production tractor in the world -  to large wheel loading shovels and getting first hand insight into the manufacturing, marketing, and sales of the products.

See also:  Young Farmer Focus - Georgia Brown: "Working in agriculture has provided me with an opportunity to see the implications of grain prices, world events and animal disease epidemics on farmers"

So far, I have had a varied role, carrying out bench marking of competitor products and the opportunity to attend a sales engineer training event.

Looking to the future, I see a move away from conventional farming to a data rich industry with a heavy focus on automation across all sectors.

I believe this will present new opportunities which combined with my degree, placement and previous work experience, leaves me well equipped to firmly cement my career in agriculture.

See also: Young Farmer Focus - Lauren Pincombe: "We hope to stay on the farm well into our future, and one day raise a new generation to take over our life ambition"