#STUDENTFARMER - APRIL 21 by STUDENT FARMER

THE TAKEOVER EDITION

APRIL 2021

THIS IS A TAKEOVER

The NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors are taking their magazine back

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Astudiwch ar ein Fferm 970 Erw Flaenllaw yng Ngholeg Cambria Llysfasi • • • •

Amaethyddiaeth Peirianneg Amaethyddol Coedwigaeth a Chefn Gwlad Gofal a Rheolaeth Anifeiliaid

• Cyrsiau Llawn Amser a Chyrsiau Rhan Amser • Cyrsiau byr gan gynnwys Cyswllt Ffermio • Prentisiaethau

DIGWYDDIADAU AGORED Rydym yn dilyn canllawiau Llywodraeth Cymru; felly byddwn yn cynnal y digwyddiadau hyn yn rhithwir os na allwn eu cynnal wyneb yn wyneb. Ewch i’n gwefan i weld y wybodaeth ddiweddaraf.

#CreuEichGyrfaYnCambria

Study on our 970 acre Industry Leading Mixed Enterprise Farm at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi • Agriculture • Agricultural Engineering • Forestry and Countryside •Animal Care and Management

• Full Time and Part Time Courses • Short Courses including Farming Connect • Apprenticeships

OPEN EVENTS

We follow guidelines from the Welsh Government; these events will be held virtually if we are not able to hold them face-to-face. Visit our website for the latest information.

#CreateYourCareerAtCambria

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0300 30 30 007 WWW.CAMBRIA.AC.UK

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#CONTENTS

04 06 08 11 13 16 18 20 26 31 33 35 39 41 42

S&YFAP TAKES OVER! S&YFAP TAKES OVER... THE MEDIA S&YFAP TAKES OVER... NFU CONFERENCE S&YFAP TAKES OVER... BEING KIND SMASHING STEREOTYPES SPEAK OUT TO HELP OUT DON’T GET SCURVY S&YFAP TAKES OVER... FORGING CAREERS S&YFAP TAKES OVER... NET ZERO FARMING NFYFC COMPETITION WINNERS WHAT’S NEW AT UNI? SENSIBLE SUCCESSION ONWARDS WITH NFU ASSOCIATE WANT TO WORK WITH US? NFU MEMBERSHIP AND NFU LIVE

S&YFAP TAKEOVER 35

PUBLISHED BY: NFU, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ FILLED WITH WORDS BY: Orla McIlduff, Huw Hopkins, Eveey Hunter, Nia Borsey, Karl Franklin, Zoe Legg, Joe Bramall, Matthew Rollason, Cameron Knee, Katie Smith, Josie Troop, Harriet Bartlett, Lauren David, Georgina Barratt, Ruth Wills DESIGNED BY: John Cottle TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT: Alan Brown alan.brown@nfu.org.uk CONTACT: studentfarmer@nfu.org.uk /StudentFarmer @studentfarmer @studentfarmer

You might notice there’s a bit of a theme going on in the contents up above. If you asked any of the indivduals on the NFU Student & Young Ambassador Programme (S&YFAP) whether they’d describe themselves as writers and editors last August, they’d probably have laughed at you. But all that has changed now and so by rights, I shouldn’t be the only one writing this column, because I’ve been joined by 11 wonderful guest editors for this edition – our current NFU S&YFAP cohort. Despite the fact they’ve yet to meet each other in real life, they’ve been working tirelessly to promote the brilliant work of British farmers for the past eight months. Not only that, but their individual passions make for great stories, and we’ve got quite a few to share. Find out where the ambassadors have featured in national and regional press on page 6, and from page 8 see their take on all things farming, from politics to net zero and everything in between. Regular readers will know that Student Farmer is proud of its ethos of being a safe space where anyone within the agriculture industry can share their stories, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or anything else. In this edition, we’re proud to lend our voice in support of two trailblazing farmers. Newly appointed President of Harper Adams SU Emily Brown shares her story of coming out in the rural community and how she’s kicking stereotypes in the rear end! Read her story from page 13. And Flavian Obiero talks about pig farming in rural Sussex as well as how his Kenyan upbringing has taught him kindness and acceptance. It also wouldn’t be an edition of Student Farmer without looking at where we our on journey to net zero. Find out what some of our ambassadors are doing from page 26. Finally, did you know we have an NFU App? If getting your NFU fix from Student Farmer each semester just isn’t enough, go to the Google Play or iOS App Store and search ‘NFU’. Orla McIlduff Editor, Student Farmer April 2021

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13/04/2021 13:11:30

Student Farmer Editor Orla McIlduff takes a look back at a year that gave us Covid restrictions, but also 11 excellent ambassadors for the British farming industry

few years ago, when we first dreamed up the NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme, we never could have guessed that most of the first two years of the programme would be spent in lockdown. And actually, if we’d known that at the time, we might have pulled the plug on the idea and let it die a quiet death. How wrong we would have been. See, our animals and crops didn’t get furloughed. Farming couldn’t stop for the pandemic, so we needed to continue promoting it and make sure the public understood that farmers are key workers, keeping nutritious, high-welfare and climate-friendly food on our plates. Since bringing on board the second cohort of ambassadors last summer, we’ve had to get creative with how we shout about the work of British farmers and growers. From Instagram to Facebook, radio appearances to online conferences, we’ve now got a group of farmers and students from every sector who work as a cracking team, even though they’ve yet to meet in real life. In this edition of Student Farmer, each of the ambassadors has written an article outlining one part of the past year for them. Their unique perspectives and experiences show that there’s no perfect way to be a farmer, you just have to have a passion for the industry.

April 2021

RADIO

South East ambassador Karl Franklin and his super tup Rambo are now regulars on the BBC Radio 2 Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. South West Ambassador Zoe Legg also featured on BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat speaking about mental health, and Matthew Rollason from the North West spoke on BBC Radio 4 Today about the Chancellor’s spending review. Our other ambassadors have also been chatting with local radio hosts about the benefits of British farming, post-Brexit agricultural policy changes and climatefriendly farming.

TRADE PRESS

Our Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors have been taking it in turns to be featured in Farmers Guardian as part of their Young Farmer Focus.

AMBASSADORS IN THE MEDIA

There haven’t been too many events to attend so far this year, but that hasn’t stopped our Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors from popping up all over the place

NFU MAGAZINES

Our ambassadors have been gracing the regional pages British Farmer & Grower magazine, writing their ‘Parting Shot’ and explaining to other farmers why they want to represent the next generation of British agriculture. YOUR RE

GION

Parting s hot

Making friends

Eveey Hu nter NFU East Anglia Student & Yo Farmer Am ung bassador

TV APPEARANCES

East Midlands ambassador Josie Troop featured on BBC East Midlands Today, talking about encouraging young people into the industry.

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April 2021

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08/04/2021 13:39:01

STICKY SUBJECTS, NOT STICKY FLOORS

NFU Conference is known for its informative speakers, cracking food and questionable dancing at the after-dinner party, but this

year was a bit different as it went virtual for the first time ever. The NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors weren’t deterred, and they gave us the low-down from NFU Live 2021’s jam-packed schedule.

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EVEEY HUNTER

EAST ANGLIA

NFU Conference is a greatly anticipated event in the farming calendar, one of the rare occasions among agricultural shows and ploughing matches where the industry gets together. Inevitably, conversation still revolves around tractors, crops and livestock, but sometimes it’s nice to have the change in scenery. Obviously, this year couldn’t help but be different to the last. My snacks definitely didn’t match up to the usual lunch spread put on in Birmingham, I didn’t get to wear a dress to eat steak in a lit-up conference room and I didn’t step foot inside a nightclub. However, it was still an interesting way to spend a Tuesday, a nice break from the usual daily grind of winter arable farming. NFU President Minette Batters opened the conference with the same inspirational energy and presence that she always does. She was keen to learn where we were all joining from that day – tractors, sprayers, kitchen tables or farm offices. Minette spoke about key issues of the moment across the industry and its various of sectors. Hypocrisy in the grain market and cost-effective assurance schemes interest me, and I see a wide range of opinion surrounding the Red Tractor debate daily on social media and in the farming press so it’s reassuring to see it’s being discussed at the highest level. Conference is a great reminder to us all that we are such a strong industry if we all stand together. British agriculture is so unique and we’re extremely lucky to have such a knowledgeable and passionate voice for change, and great role models, such as Minette, Deputy President Stuart Roberts and Vice-president Tom Bradshaw. If you’re ever offered the chance to attend conference, you must. Last year really kick-started my NFU journey and I left Birmingham feeling completely overwhelmed, inspired and incredibly proud of our great industry and all the people in it.

April 2021

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NIA BORSEY NFU CYMRU

NFU Live 2021 was extremely informative from the get-go. While it was good to see Keir Starmer as a speaker, I was quite shocked to hear how long it had been since a Labour leader had last spoken at NFU Conference (13 years!). The messages sent out by the Labour Party gave a positive approach for sustainable farming. Sir Keir spoke about how he stood up for high food standards, quality, and affordability. Rural communities and their resilience is important to Labour, and the issues that are faced and increased from Covid-19. He also recognised that Labour had not prioritised the industry previously and within the next manifesto it will “not be an afterthought for Labour”. The government now needs to encourage more people to buy British and recognised the importance of NFU’s #BackBritishFarming initiative. I would say Boris Johnson does have farming as a priority within his party, and this does come across when they spoke so passionately.

The conference provided me with an insight into international trade, something that I have not delved into as much as I would have liked, with my focus on Brexit over the past few years, so this was a session I was very keen to engage with. Secretary of State Liz Truss’ words of “positive commitment and unquestionable that we can compete in world trade” were very reassuring to hear. There is clearly more work to be done with the US and work that personally I feel will be achieved positively, for example, releasing the ban on British lamb and removing tariffs on Scotch whisky.

“THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON BPS, SUSTAINABLE FARMING, AND HOW THIS INCENTIVE WILL BE TRIALLED ON FARMS FIRST WAS USEFUL BECAUSE I CAN INCORPORATE THIS INTO MY WORK” Listening to Defra Secretary of State George Eustice was really insightful and very relevant to myself as a rural planner. The information provided on BPS, sustainable farming, and how this incentive will be trialled on farms first was useful because I can incorporate this into my work. I found it really interesting when Mr Eustice spoke about how Defra wants to encourage change with the selling of land to create more land and holdings available to new entrants. On the whole, a very informative and useful conference, well done to everyone involved.

KARL FRANKLIN

SOUTH EAST

Having had such a good experience at NFU Conference in Birmingham last year, I was interested to see how this year would work virtually. Well, it’s safe to say that the NFU definitely pulled it out the bag! The process of logging in and joining all of the events that took place was really easy, and there was certainly no loss of quality content or informative speeches. We heard all about trade, including an address from the Department for International Trade and a discussion

“AFTER ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED OVER THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS OR SO, THE GOVERNMENT HAS REALLY SEEN HOW IMPORTANT BRITISH FARMERS ARE FOR THE COUNTRY” between speakers about trade in the future. I believe the message that the government wanted to get across to the conference was that now we have left the EU, whatever deals are made with new partners, they are not going to undermine British farmers when it comes to maintaining highly important food standards and animal welfare. I found it interesting to learn that there is a much larger market for lamb on the continent because they consume a

lot more of the carcass than we do, as we tend to use only a few select cuts. Now that we have left the EU, we have the opportunity to look for new trade deals and as NFU President Minette Batters said at the beginning of the conference, by securing more deals we are spreading the risk and as a result are not dependent on just one export market. The main pointer I have to take away from NFU Live 2021, is that after all that has happened over the past 12 months or so, the government has really seen how important British farmers are for the country. We really need to be supporting our farmers and helping the next generation make their way into the industry.

April 2021

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Mae campws Glynllifon ar ystâd ysblennydd Glynllifon ger Caernarfon yn arbenigo mewn cyrsiau diwydiannau’r tir, yn cynnwys:

Our Glynllifon Campus is based on the stunning Glynllifon Estate near Caernarfon and specialises in a range of land-based courses, including:

• Amaethyddiaeth • Astudiaethau Anifeiliaid • Coedwigaeth a Rheoli Cefn Gwlad • Technoleg Diwydiannau’r Tir • Nyrsio Milfeddygol

• Agriculture • Animal Studies • Forestry & Countryside Management • Land-based Technology • Veterinary Nursing

Rydym yn cynhyrchu da byw ar ein fferm fasnachol 300 erw a saif yng nghanol coetir, parcdir a chynefinoedd bywyd gwyllt, ac ymhlith y cyfleusterau a gynigiwn ar ein campws mae:

Our 300 hectares of commercial livestock farm is surrounded by woodland, park and wildlife habitats, and our campus contains a number of facilities, including:

• Y Ganolfan Astudiaethau Anifeiliaid • Y Ganolfan Beirianneg • Bloc addysgu a gostiodd £7.4M i’w godi • Efelychydd ‘Tenstar’ newydd gwerth £70,000

• Animal Studies Centre • Engineering Centre • £7.4 million teaching block • New £70,000 ‘Tenstar’ training simulator

Bob blwyddyn bydd ein myfyrwyr yn cael canlyniadau rhagorol, ac blwyddyn diwethaf y gyfradd llwyddiant ar ein cyrsiau amaethyddol oedd 100%.

Every year our students achieve excellent results, including last year a 100% pass rate in all agriculture courses.

Coleg Glynllifon: 01286 830 261 Caernarfon LL54 5DU www.gllm.ac.uk/glynllifon ymholiadau.glynllifon@gllm.ac.uk enquiries.glynllifon@gllm.ac.uk

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08/04/2021 13:39:25

IT’S TIME TO TALK

The farming industry focused on mental health during #MindYourHead week, but we need to talk about mental health all year round. South West ambassador Zoe Legg discusses her experiences and the need to open up.

ental health is an issue that spans across the country; across communities, across industries and across people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. And it spans across farming. According to a Farm Safety Foundation (aka Yellow Wellies) survey of 450 farmers, 88% of farmers under 40 believe mental health to be the most pressing issue facing the industry. While there is a growing recognition of the importance of mental wellbeing

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, THESE HELPLINES AND WEBSITES HAVE LOTS OF RESOURCES TO HELP: • Farming Community Network Call 03000 111 999 or visit fcn.org.uk • Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) Call 08082 819 490 or visit RABI.org.uk • The DPJ Foundation Call 08005 874 262 or visit @DPJFoundation on Twitter • YANA (You Are Not Alone) Call 03003 230 400 or visit YANAhelp.org

within farming, it remains an unwelcome subject for many people – for some it’s a conscious avoidance, and for others it’s just not a consideration. Take my father – he was your generic, hard working, 60-something farmer who had no experience of mental health issues. That was, until his child (me) fell prey to poor mental health and an eating disorder. Suddenly, he was completely alienated, unable to comprehend or relate, despite all his best efforts, with how I was feeling. My father just couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that, despite coming from an immensely happy family, for me life wasn’t worth living. To him, life was life and you made the best of it. My struggles with mental health opened up a whole new world to him and, during my recovery process, actually helped him. I know that opening up and talking saved my life, but it was hard to take that initial step, and in many ways my dad found it just as difficult. His generation had been taught to always answer the question ‘how are you?’ with ‘fine thanks’, and he had to overcome that. The average age of a farmer in Britain is 59. While farmers of my father’s era are often rather affectionately called a ‘rare breed’ (they can possess an impressive level of sheer determination

and resilience), they still face the same levels of stress and anxiety as anyone else. Yet many don’t feel they are able to have open and frank conversations about it, something that the coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated. Even just catching up with a friend or family member is now much more difficult. The loss of the local chat at the pub, the weekly market social or the agricultural show down the road were all ways we farmers interacted, relaxed and had fun, which helps boost our mental wellbeing whether we realised it or not. Across the UK population, depression alone affects 22% of males and 28% of females aged over 65, yet roughly 85% of sufferers do not seek any form of help. Now I have been there – it’s difficult to recognise that there is a problem and even more difficult to admit it to someone else. But one in four people in England experience some form of mental health struggle every year, and that’s not even taking into account those who are struggling to support someone else through mental illness. Over the past few years, the communication around mental health and wellbeing has improved a lot. The work of charities like Yellow Wellies, who are behind the #MindYourHead campaign, as well as FCN, RABI, YANA and the Fit 2 Farm campaign have helped rally the farming community to think more positively about mental health. But we can still do more. Farming mental health discussion groups are another way that we can get conversation flowing, because even a farmer can’t say no to a good brew and a chocolate digestive – although, of course, this is another thing the pandemic has halted. It’s great to discuss mental health online but we need to be mindful not to leave people out of these conversations, and there are many farmers who don’t frequent social media or discussion platforms for a variety of reasons. I also believe that the next generation of farmers has a duty to support those who have done so much in paving the way for us in British agriculture. We have a duty to open up the conversation to our friends, parents, grandparents and we have a duty to chip away at the barriers that previous stigma has built – until farmers can talk about mental health and wellbeing as openly and easily as we do the weather. April 2021

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13/04/2021 13:22:23

n early 2020, an agri-focused university Students' Union posted recipes on Facebook, in case any students wanted to partake in the Veganuary trend promoted on social media. Possibly not a very savvy move of them, right? Following a quick backlash from students and those in the industry, the post was removed and an apology issued, acknowledging that the “decision to refer to a specific movement in that post was ill-judged, and was perceived as an attack on British farming, which we very much support”.

“I’VE BEEN ON THE RECEIVING END OF VEGAN ACTIVISTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA BEFORE, SO IT TOOK ME A LONG TIME TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO. MY DAD WAS REALLY AGAINST ME SAYING ANYTHING, BUT I KNEW I COULD SHARE A VIEW THAT DEMONSTRATED THE NUANCE OF THE DEBATE” As NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Joe Bramall watched the issue unfold on social media, he felt uneasy. He felt the debate was lacking kindness and tolerance, so he spoke to friends and family about the subject. Joe said: “I’ve been on the receiving end of vegan activists on social media before, so it took me a long time to decide what to do. My dad worried about me saying anything, but I knew I could share a view that demonstrated the nuance of the debate, and would hopefully make my friends and industry peers think twice before posting a sweeping statement or derogatory comment about people who make different lifestyle choices than I would.” Despite feeling that if he spoke out on the subject he might find his final years at university tough, in a brave moment, Joe decided to write the following letter: Joe submitted it to one of the biggest farming magazines in the UK, and although the editor initially showed a lot of interest, unfortunately the letter never got published. But Joe thinks it’s still very much relevant, and now wants as many people as possible to see it. “We as young farmers are the future of the industry, and I want to work in an industry that is inclusive and kind.”

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STICKING YOUR HEAD ABOVE THE PARAPET It’s not always easy to go against the grain, as North West ambassador Joe Bramall found out when he felt the industry wasn’t showing the kindness it should Dear Sir, I’m writing to share my opinion about the Harper Adams Student Union post regarding Veganuary. As a proud dairy farmer and Harper Adams agri-student, I completely support the work of British dairy and livestock farmers. However, I think the response from students about the Veganuary post was completely disproportionate. When sharing my life on a dairy farm on social media, I’ve been called all sorts of things by vegan activists. However, I am aware that these individuals are in the minority. Most vegans are reasonable people who choose a different dietary lifestyle to ours, and I believe Harper Adams University should be somewhere all students feel welcome, regardless of lifestyle choices. According to Kantar, vegans count for less than 1% of UK shoppers, so while we should always rebuke misinformation shared by vegan activists and companies who profit from it, I don’t believe that vilifying a small number of people and making them feel like they don’t belong at Harper Adams is achieving anything. Alternative protein is going to play a small part of certain people’s diets going forward and we are going to have to accept that and share facts that instil trust and convince in the British public to carry on supporting us by eating our high-quality, high-welfare, sustainable food. To make sure they do that, we need to be as transparent as possible and showcase what we do, because we are brilliant at it. Lowering ourselves to trolling people’s lifestyles on social media will do nothing to enhance the image of British farming to the public. However, working together and showing how sustainable, humane and carbon-friendly our sector is will take care of any rising vegan numbers (if any) and increase sales of sustainable British food. The SU may not have been very tactful with its post on this occasion, but the response from students marginalised anyone at Harper Adams who chooses to eat differently and showed a wider issue about how, unfortunately, our industry does not accept societal change. It is something that we need to start realising if we don’t want to be seen by the public as an industry of yesterday. Yours faithfully, Joe Bramall BSc (Hons) Agri-business – Year 2 Harper Adams University

April 2021

29/04/2021 15:22:50

#REPRESENTATION

A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL Orla McIlduff meets Emily Brown, a young farmer and newly elected Harper Adams SU President who is defined by so much more than just her sexuality Photos by Adam Fradgley

April 2021

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13/04/2021 13:24:06

#REPRESENTATION

t’s been quite a hectic few years for Emily Brown. She’s in her final year at university during a pandemic, has just been elected Students' Union president and has decided to take her career in a different direction than she previously thought. Enough to keep anyone busy, right? But in the midst of all this, she’s also had the added pressure of telling her family and friends that she is a lesbian. Emily is, rightly, frustrated that this is even a thing: “Imagine if you had to announce to the world you were straight; it sounds so stupid, but the reality is that coming out as part of a rural community where there aren’t any role models can be really difficult.” Growing up in Bedfordshire with her twin brother Jack, Emily felt lucky to have the rural life alongside being close to town. She’s from a mixed farm, with more than 1,000 acres of arable plus cattle, pigs, Christmas turkeys and a farm shop. She’s also been a member of her local YFC for as long as she can remember, and has always enjoyed showing cattle. A typical young farmer then. Alongside her interest in agriculture, Emily also loved sports and fitness. And her hobbies became her safety net as she started to feel things she didn’t quite understand. “Around the age of 14, I started to have these feelings that were difficult to process, and so confusing at the time – especially being from a rural area with no representation, so I used sports, specifically rowing, as a distraction. I also didn’t have anyone I felt I could talk to

“IMAGINE IF YOU HAD TO ANNOUNCE TO THE WORLD YOU WERE STRAIGHT; IT SOUNDS SO STUPID, BUT THE REALITY IS THAT COMING OUT AS PART OF A RURAL COMMUNITY WHERE THERE AREN’T ANY ROLE MODELS CAN BE REALLY DIFFICULT”

about why I was feeling like that. Coming from a relatively traditional farming background, I was concerned about talking to anyone. I remember during my GCSEs, the television programme Orange is the New Black had just started, and that cemented it for me. “I did think I was bisexual for quite a few years, because it’s so expected for girls to like guys. Further along, I knew I wasn’t, but then I felt the need to hide who I was because I didn’t Emily’s twin brother Jack has been a massive support to her

want to have to face it. I was so worried about people judging me, even though I’m exactly the same person. Looking back, I just felt different, but I wish I’d been able to embrace it.” The lack of representation while growing up was a real issue for Emily because she didn’t fit any of the homosexual stereotypes she’d seen, let alone know any lesbians. She explained: “In school, I knew some gay guys who lived up to the publicised stereotypes. I just liked wearing country clothes, as I always had.” It’s common for people who are hiding their sexuality to experience mental health problems, and Emily was no exception: “It took a long time to work out that it was definitely females I was attracted to and then it wasn’t until I had issues with my mental health that I realised hiding who I was dragging me down. “I’ve always been a people-pleaser, so I didn’t want to upset people but when I was

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April 2021

13/04/2021 13:24:25

#REPRESENTATION struggling with my mental health It wasn’t worth it. It took a lot for me to prioritise myself and make time for me instead.” It’s been hard, but Emily said finding the LGBTQ+ charity AgRespect, and seeing the stories shared there, felt amazing. Suddenly, she had role models and representation in the rural community. It took a few years of coming out to different friends at different times, but finally, a year ago, Emily was ready to tell her family. “I saw a therapist at uni and asked them what approach to take when coming out to my family. I eventually decided to write a letter for my parents, because then I didn’t have to stay in the room in case their reaction was in any way negative. “I really don’t know how they didn’t know. It’s funny looking back, because when I told my twin brother he said ‘Ah, that makes sense.’ And he helped me write the letter to my mum and dad, which was fantastic, and I feel really fortunate to have him to support me.” For a while, Emily kept putting off giving her parents the letter but realised that the longer she waited, the longer it would be before she could move on and be herself. “I was so nervous, I put the letter on the kitchen table – I’ve never been so scared in my life – and asked them to read it together. “My dad came upstairs and I burst out crying – it’s quite emotional when that big part of you finally comes out. He was amazing, really accepting, and told me it didn’t matter as long as I was happy. Mum has struggled with it a bit more; she’s always had a bit of a roadmap for us. “Having more LGBTQ+ role models around us has helped her though. There is a lesbian couple with a daughter who have moved close to us recently and use the farm shop now. Seeing this couple with their daughter has helped mum overcome

“I USE EXERCISE MASSIVELY FOR ITS MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS. DON’T GET ME WRONG I LOVE IMPROVING MY FITNESS AND FEELING GOOD ABOUT MY BODY, BUT THE MENTAL HEALTH SIDE OF IT IS AMAZING” her assumption that I wouldn’t ever have children because of my sexuality. “Another friend who has also contributed to AgRespect shared a great tip – bring your mum on the journey with you. So I’m trying to feed her little nuggets as we go along to educate her and show her that it’s ok and I’m still the same person. I’m so much happier now when I’m at home than I was.” Feeling like there were no positive role models or representation for her is why Emily wants to share her story. She said: “I’ve had people who are still hiding their sexuality come out to me in confidence

since I published my story on AgRespect. I want to be a positive role model so people can be themselves and feel a bit safer. TV shows and podcasts have also been really helpful to me – Out by Suzi Ruffell is one of my favourites. “I also think a lack of education in the rural community is an issue. My housemate is from the edge of Birmingham and she is shocked by some of the attitudes she sees at uni, and since I’ve come out most people have been really good about it, but sometimes I’m the first lesbian they’ve met in real life. We just need to be visible.” So what next for Emily? Well, she’s in her final year studying agriculture with farm business management at university. After all that stress and drama, she wants to focus on her career, which hopefully means diversifying her home farm into a gym and personal training business. She said: “I use exercise massively for its mental health benefits. Don’t get me wrong I love improving my fitness and feeling good about my body, but the mental health side of it is amazing. If I’m struggling at all I’ll go on the rowing machine because it requires so much concentration and I can just get in the zone – it takes you elsewhere for a bit and you can forget about everything else.” And while she’s in a good place now, and happily in a relationship with her girlfriend, Flic, Emily knows she needs to keep speaking out. “Farming can be quite heteronormative, so when I was growing up I kept thinking ‘I shouldn’t be feeling like this’ or ‘I’m disgusting for thinking like that’ – young people shouldn’t have to go through that, this should just be one little part of who they are.” To find out more about AgRespect and to learn about other people's experiences, visit agrespect.com April 2021

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#DIVERSITY

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Manager of Plumpton College Pig Unit Flavian Obiero spoke to Orla McIlduff about working in a predominantly white industry and how his Kenyan upbringing has shaped his personal ethos Photos by Jonathan Browning

FARMING IS IN MY BLOOD

I’m Kenyan, and I’m proud of that. The way farming works in Kenya is different to here, it’s more ingrained, with farming issues and farming news featuring in mainstream media there. It’s more subsistence farming rather than commercial, but it’s so integrated in the community. It takes away the concept that people don’t know where their food comes from because most people have a few chickens or goats. I’m not from a farming

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family but I grew up with animals, which is why I was drawn to studying animal management at Sparsholt College.

CAUSING A STIR

I moved to the UK when I was 15 (I’m now 30) and it caused a bit of stir at school. The other Black students were either born here or had moved over to the UK when they were much younger and had already adapted to the accent and the culture. Joining the Student Association in sixth

form really helped with my confidence. I then worked for a year to save money before going to university so by that point I knew more about English culture and social etiquette.

FINDING A FIT

Even though I was a minority on my uni course, the college did a scheme with schools because of the football scholarships they offered, so a lot of young lads came to Sparsholt from London for

April 2021

13/04/2021 13:47:40

#DIVERSITY

“I’VE FOUND FARMERS TO BE SUCH A SUPPORTIVE BUNCH IN GENERAL. IF YOU’VE GOT A CROP WITH A WEED, IT DOESN’T MEAN THE WHOLE CROP IS RUINED; THE SAME GOES FOR THE FEW INDIVIDUALS IN THE INDUSTRY WHO ARE DISCRIMINATORY” wherever, we get along and that’s that.

the football academy. This meant there were other Black students, but it was quite a white-dominated community as a whole. Most Wednesdays we’d have a party after playing sports, and there was almost always an altercation between the game and wildlife management students and the football lads. In my opinion, the main reason for that was the game students weren’t exposed to people from other ethnic groups, and I always used to find myself in the middle. I was a bit older and I’d always try to mediate – they were always trivial arguments stemming from a lack of understanding on each side.

I worked in an office in Kent for a year and a half, but after a while I realised I wasn’t getting the job satisfaction that I get from farming, and I didn’t have the social life I have here in Sussex. I can’t fault living in Sussex; my parents live fairly close by in Surrey and in the summer there are so many vineyards to do wine tastings.

STOP THE JUDGEMENT

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Growing up in Kenya, there was no division between different groups, and there wasn’t a class system like there is here. I had friends who had no windows in their house, no shoes coming to school but that was never used to judge who was going to be your friend – we were just all kids together. I’m still in a WhatsApp group now with school friends from Kenya and we’ve stayed in contact since, and I might not have seen them since 2003 but the bond we had as kids is still there. I remember being surprised when it was an ‘own clothes day’ at school in the UK and you had different social groups all judging each other. It didn’t make sense; for me, if I get along with you, whether you’re from Uzbekistan or New Zealand or

OFFICE VS FARMING

I’ve been fortunate not to have had any bad experiences as a Black man in the industry around here, but there is such little diversity in my village; only a small number or residents are Black. It’s a really friendly village, you can walk into any of the three pubs by yourself and people will start a conversation with you. I’ve found farmers to be such a supportive bunch in general. If you’ve got a crop with a weed, it doesn’t mean the whole crop is ruined; the same goes for the few individuals in the industry who are discriminatory.

CASUAL RACISM

I wrote an article last year in a farming magazine about casual racism in the industry and it received a backlash on

social media. It made me think that the people who were being critical know it’s true and don’t care, or else it hit a nerve and made them question their own actions, making them defensive. It’s trying to get the farming community round to the mentality that if you hear of a need for more diversity in agriculture (be it younger people, ethnic minorities, genders, sexualities) don’t huff and roll your eyes. Just look into it and consider what you can do to improve it.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

I took part in the Black Lives Matter protests in Brighton last year with my girlfriend, Nikki. Inequality and racism still exists, even if it does happen in a more subtle way than it did in the past. You wouldn’t want a criminal living on your street, why would you turn a blind eye if that person was a racist? I wish people who didn’t understand would educate themselves or sit down and have conversations about it with relevant people, as tough as the conversations might be.

GET INVOLVED

More farmers should get involved with initiatives such as Farmer Time and get linked to schools in inner city areas to break the cycle of ignorance. If a child from a non-farming or ethnic minority background is exposed to farming at an early age, by the time they’re looking for work experience as a teenager, they could get interested in the farming industry, see farming as a viable career path and also increase diversity in the industry along the way. April 2021

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13/04/2021 13:48:41

#DON'TGETSCURVY

SEEING HOW E G A S U A S E H T IS MADE

e it od is when you mak fo st ie st ta e th es Sometim the very oser you can get to yourself, and the cl opkins s the better. Huw H es oc pr at th of t ar st gets sizzling.

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t’s among the worst things you will ever see, apparently. But making sausages is a blast! Muck Boots brought together friends and media to join in the fun of making sausages to promote its new Outscape welly-shoes thanks to some help from the Chief Shepherdess Zoe Colville. An ambassador for Muck Boots, the owner of Little Farm Fridge moved back to Kent after training as a hairdresser in London and enjoying the social life. The plan was to work up their small flock of 32 ewes to eventually sell meat directly to the consumer and keep their carbon footprint low. These days the farm offers lamb, goat, beef and venison cuts from across the animals, burgers sausages and more. And the sausage meat supplied, which usually costs around £6, might just be the tastiest ever.

April 2021

13/04/2021 13:25:52

#DON'TGETSCURVY

WHAT YOU NEED • • • • •

Sausage maker Chopping knife Chopping board A couple of saucepans An oven

SAUSAGES

TS INGREDkiIEngNpotatoes

Two ba • eat Sausage m • s e Intestin • Two carrots • Peas • Milk • heese Cheddar c • pper p Salt and e • e gravy d a m Ready•

The worst bits of making meat was done on Zoe’s farm before it ever arrived – my neighbours in my kitchen, writes Huw Hopkins ghtering and slau me see might not be pleased to turning meat into but – en gard k processing in my bac ish city types. sausages is still not for the squeam of bits, including a You’ll need to invest in a handful • a Master Feng MASH sausage making machine. We used base that ion suct a has • h whic The best thing to go wit er, Stuff e Sausag h sausages is mash. An r brand you get, teve d I am Wha . ktop wor the r you king of mash potato. Go to s che atta ahead, just ask. Up an or you’ll be pumping d down the land I am rec make sure it has a suction base ognised as an all-time dog might be elite mash potato master. sausages all over the kitchen – the to avoid. • You can start making happy to help clean up, but best the mash after the sau of n ctio sele a sages with es com hine have gone in the oven. The cylindrical mac • to up t righ a olat chip from • – les My nozz d preferred variety tends different size to be baking potatoe to squeeze the s but you really can use any a meaty banger – and a handle – don’t let the purists gri nd yo . u ugh do thro wn . You can peel them if mince you want, but I prefer stine tube. Intestines leaving the skin on an Sheathed over the end is an inte • d chopping them up int port sup and go but o six and zon, boiling until you can stic can be purchased from Ama k a fork all the way thr they and , sible pos if ough rs esse with ease while holdin local butchers and proc g together without cru the r ove stine mb inte the ling. g • adin Drain the potatoes an don’t cost much. Thre d put them back in the the g alon s tear little get you if sau but cepan. nozzle is timely • You’ll need a good ma way it’s not the end of the world. sher to put force down of space hanging on the potato chunks until the Make sure you leave about an inch • y start to become a mu start rotating can you sh. You and le, nozz mig the ht of ha end ve a couple of lumps, off the and that’s ok. e maker. As the sag sau • the of So end me the on tim r es leve the it’s useful to keep a he at under the an eye on it to avoid saucepan, but if you do meat gets pushed through, keep , keep it really low. g alon e mov ld shou It . • stine Grind in some pepper. spilling beyond the inte Mash through. • Add a touch of salt. Ma with the meat as it gets pushed sh. te trying to crea • Grate in some chedda At this stage, don’t worry about • r cheese. Mash. on s to focu • Splash in a dash of mil individual sausages as you go. Try k. Mash. t mea the all l unti • By now, you should ha creating one long, even sausage ve a creamy mash tha t you can sp oon on to a plate with . is used ease. The occasional gure fi s, stine inte the lump is into not a problem, it’s good Once all the meat is packed • for the soul. and es sag sau al vidu indi r out how long you want you individual sausage carefully pinch the tube. Twist the sure a few times but don’t cut it off. Mea e Onc at. repe to e sag out another sau TOP TIPSleft with a bit of you es, sag sau al vidu indi e you have thre You might be at for h zzle – save th eac e gsid alon up line they so fold two meat in the no ttie pa a h can smus around later and you er. other like legs, then wrap the third rg bu y st ta ake a middle together to m the join and poke it through the you nts, of the other two sausages. This way e raw ingredie e and stor to time a at For some of th uk can portion up three o. .c rmfridge visit thelittlefa have for different meals. thy Continue to do this until your leng • groups able age man into up split sausage is THE REST of three. I tend to serve it with chopped up carrots, which put them on a Take however many you want and • I put on a medium heat for 10 minutes, adding heated oven (180 grill above a baking tray in a prepeas to the saucepan about five minutes in, and my sausages slightly degrees if fan-assisted). I prefer pour on a bit of onion gravy. I’m lazy, so I buy 35-40 minutes, but ready-made gravy. crispier so they were in for about about 20 minutes. r afte ked coo they were probably

•

April 2021

can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated by farming even without coming from that background. My mum reminds me that when I was a toddler, she would stop the car by a field each week just to let me watch the cows for 10 minutes. Fast forward 20-something years and I’m still looking out the car window to see who has turned their cows out first. Living in Bury, Lancashire, my parents bought a caravan on a farm near Lancaster, which we used during summer holidays and it’s where I learnt to milk and drive the quad. This laid the foundation stones for my future.

“I AM A PASSIONATE BELIEVER THAT EXHIBITING CATTLE AT AGRICULTURAL SHOWS IS VITAL TO TELL OUR STORY AND MAINTAIN HEALTHY PUBLIC RELATIONS IN THE FACE OF INCREASED SCRUTINY OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION” After finishing school, I was offered a place at Myerscough College, Preston, where I gained a Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture. Working on livestock farms in the North West meant it was a natural choice to study Agriculture with Animal Science at Harper Adams University, which included a 12-month placement with one of the leading bovine genetics companies in the UK, Cogent Breeding. I graduated in 2018 with a 2:1 classification and soon joined Dunbia’s graduate programme. I spent time in

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NEW DAWN FOR NEW ENTRANT North West ambassador Matthew Rollason talks about how his career in industry complements managing his own herd perfectly Wales at their Llanybydder and Cross Hands sites before eventually moving to Sawley, Lancashire where I have been based for two years now. Casting my mind back to the field of cows as a toddler, it is worth mentioning that these cows were of a particular breed that has now taken me around the world – the Hereford. I have worked with Herefords for 10 years now, and I have had opportunities to see them thrive in locations as far away as Uruguay, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. After university, I established my own brand, the ‘New Dawn’ herd, with two pedigree females that I kept on a friend’s farm. After calving, they will soon be travelling to our newly purchased property in Great Harwood, Hill Top Farm. In the years ahead, I plan to grow the herd to 10 breeding females, which is an exciting personal achievement for me as we emerge from Covid-19. Working for a red meat processor gives me an extraordinary view of the beef industry, which has certainly influenced

my selection of bloodlines and genetics. First and foremost, I aim to produce functional animals that will complement someone else’s herd, leaving a profitable stamp wherever they go. This has led me to using Australian sires based on their physical characteristics, as well as positive Estimated Breeding Values for growth, eye muscle area and intra-muscular fat. However, it’s not all about breeding values. I am a passionate believer that exhibiting cattle at agricultural shows is vital to tell our story and maintain healthy public relations in the face of increased scrutiny of livestock production. Having finished the graduate programme, I plan to continue developing my career with Dunbia. My new role is as the Agriculture and Research and Development Projects Team Leader, which is an extremely rewarding and fast-paced position. I enjoy a good working balance between our production facilities, the office and out on farm with our dedicated suppliers.

April 2021

13/04/2021 13:27:25

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decided to make the next big decision in my life – my first big job change. I was becoming increasingly dissatisfied and and felt a need to get back to my farming roots – muddy boots and all. So, in January this year, I relocated to Chichester, West Sussex, to work for Barfoot Farms, a sister company of Barfoots of Botley. As a farm manager, I specialise in a number of different crops for the business. Barfoots is one of the leading fresh vegetable growers in the UK, farming in excess of 8,000 acres to provide leading British supermarkets with fresh produce year-round. We

“WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO WORK IN WHAT I PERCEIVE IS THE BEST, MOST REWARDING INDUSTRY ON THE PLANET”

A LEAP OF FAITH North East-turned-South East ambassador

Cameron Knee talks about the importance of professional and personal development in agriculture, and why making a change can be a great thing

or me, bucking the trend this past year has been an exciting affair, and meant securing a new dream job in a 350-mile move south after a whirlwind eight years living in the North East. My first step into agriculture involved spending four years studying Agriculture and Business Management at Newcastle University. If you are thinking about studying agriculture or anything related to the industry, I could not recommend it highly enough. Getting to meet and live with likeminded people whilst studying a subject you love is a real privilege and a great foundation from which to build your career.

Newcastle offered the perfect balance for me between city life and the countryside on my doorstep, after which I was fortunate enough to secure a job as a farm consultant. Remaining in Newcastle and covering Northumberland, I specialised in farm management and agronomy while sitting my professional exams. From the start I was exposed to significant managerial responsibility, requiring a steep learning curve covering all aspects of arable farming, grants and stewardships, as well as the less glamorous financial accounts side of running farm businesses. Then toward the end of 2020, I

are also an industry leader from an environmental perspective, having achieved a net zero energy footprint since 2010 by processing our biomass factory waste through our anaerobic digestion plant to generate more than twice the energy we consume. For me, making the move back on farm has been so important for my mental wellbeing and motivation, as I had felt I was becoming lost in a larger company where agriculture was only a small part of overall activities. British agriculture needs more young people to enter the industry and if I were to pass on just one message to those starting out, it would be to recognise if you are not being appreciated and to not be afraid to make a change and look for other pathways. Don’t feel that because you are young and new to the industry that it is acceptable to be treated poorly or undervalued. At 27, I was not afraid to look for a change and trusted in the knowledge and experience I had already gained to secure a great job with more responsibility and room to grow. We are lucky enough to work in what I perceive is the best, most rewarding industry on the planet. If you are passionate, hardworking and motivated there will always be opportunities for you in which to thrive, flourish and continue moving down the many paths that British agriculture has to offer. April 2021

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13/04/2021 13:28:13

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12/04/2021 18:16:53

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12/04/2021 18:17:12

he words ‘carbon neutral’ and ‘net zero’ have become more commonly used within the agriculture industry recently. With the NFU’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2040, what does this really mean for farm production? Throughout my university degree, sustainable farming is mentioned frequently but adapting farming methods to become net zero is rarely spoken about. Defra’s recent report outlining the future subsidies for agriculture has a major focus on sustainability in farming especially in terms of the woodland grants

“WITH ALL LEARNING ONLINE AND NO SOCIAL LIFE, THE OPTION FOR MYSELF TO STUDY AT HOME AND WORK ON THE FARM WAS NEVER A SECOND THOUGHT” available for creation and offsetting, although net zero should not completely focus on carbon capture. Looking at technologies and increasing efficiency on farm to reduce emissions is key to achieving net zero while also providing food for our nation. On my family farm in South Wales, we currently farm around 400 breeding ewes and 100 beef cattle. Lambing indoor and outdoor allows us to deal with the unpredictable weather which Wales brings. We have three generations farming side-by-side. This brings benefits in terms of shared knowledge, but there are limitations, when older generations are reluctant to change. With all lamb sold to supermarkets, restaurants and the public, our set-up has mostly positive outcomes, however, like most farms there are always areas to improve. Throughout the pandemic, university life has changed for every student. I am currently in my second year of studying Agricultural Business Management at the University of Reading. With all learning online and no social life, my decision to study at home and work on the farm never took a second thought. Learning to become patient with rural broadband has been the biggest struggle with lectures. With the combination of studying and working, this has enabled me to put theoretical work into practice on farm. Especially coming up to lambing

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CHANGE ISN’T ALWAYS A BAD THING NFU Cymru ambassador Lauren David talks frankly about balancing uni and net zero challenges on a multigenerational farm time, adopting new methods that I have learnt during university lectures has made the farm more efficient – even if Grandad doesn’t agree! With an ever-changing agricultural industry, farmers will need to be accepting of change. Farming can become sustainable while achieving net zero, looking at potential new grant schemes can increase farmer’s incomes while aiming to achieve net zero in future years. However, farmers shouldn’t be reliant on subsidies as a substitution for food production. The upcoming Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme in England

focuses on protecting environmental features in conjunction with food production. Looking at improving farming productive efficiency while producing high quality, safe and affordable food for the UK population is extremely important. Wherever possible, farms should also look at investment into renewables and the bioeconomy. Increasing the use of renewable energy and bioeconomy on unproductive farmland to displace greenhouse emissions and increase carbon capture could be a key element to achieving net zero while also allowing farms to stay profitable in the future.

April 2021

13/04/2021 13:28:54

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’m a PhD student at the University of Cambridge. I never planned to do a PhD, and to be honest, I didn’t really know what it even was until I was at university. So I’d like to explain how I got here, and how great it is to work in agricultural research! If we go back seven years, I was in the middle of my second term as a veterinary medicine student at the University of Cambridge. My plan was to be a farm vet focused on improving animal welfare and antimicrobial stewardship. But this all changed in my third year when I “intercalated” and studied zoology, to learn more about my other major passion: wildlife and conservation. It was then that I learnt about the impact of our livestock systems on their environment. I found that they were a leading cause of habitat loss and species extinction, and a major driver of climate change. And most importantly, I learnt that the proposed way to minimise the impact of our farming systems on biodiversity – to minimise wild species extinctions – was to intensify. To increase yields, so we could use less land for farming, and give more land to nature. I had a lot of questions, and the biggest and most crucial were: what

“I AM SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF FARMING! I SEE THE NEXT DECADE AS ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL. NATURE AND OUR CLIMATE ARE NEARING TIPPING POINTS – POINTS OF NO RETURN” about animal welfare? What about antimicrobial use and resistance? It is assumed that these are worse in intensive, high yield systems. We had to choose: biodiversity or carbon or animal welfare and effective antimicrobials. Through more research, it seemed that there was surprisingly little evidence – in fact almost no evidence that there was this inevitable compromise. In reality, it hadn’t been measured for the vast majority of our food systems. This means it is pretty much impossible to say which types of systems are best: for policy makers, farmers and consumers. And given the scale of the challenges we face, this simply is not acceptable. What we really

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LOOKING AT THE BIG PICTURE East Anglia ambassador Harriet Bartlett looks at why

science and taking responsibility are crucial when it comes to future farming need is to measure lots of things in lots of different systems so we can make valid comparisons between alternative ways of producing the same product. So that is exactly what I am doing. I am measuring the yield, carbon footprint, animal welfare and antimicrobial use on UK and Brazilian pig farms, and we need more people doing the same in other farming systems. I have visited more than 100 farms in the UK and 25 in Brazil, and I hope to have some results out later this year. I am super excited about the future of farming! I see the next decade as absolutely crucial. Nature and our climate are nearing tipping points – points of no return. It is hard to stomach the reality of what a four-degree world might look like (climate models predict global temperatures will rise by four degrees by the year 2100). But I believe it is our responsibility to understand what is at stake for current generations – it isn’t just a problem just for future generations.

We are on track for catastrophic climate change in my lifetime. This means two-metre sea level rise causing an estimated two billion refugees. This means unprecedented heat waves, the loss of all coral reefs and catastrophic flooding (particularly in the UK). This means large portions of the earth becoming uninhabitable and uncultivable. This means exacerbated inequalities and a poorer quality of life. We need swift action at a huge scale – not just for nature, for humanity. I believe that farmers have a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference: to be a major part of the solution to many of the world’s greatest challenges. And farmers don’t have to do this alone! Researchers, policy makers and other allied professionals have a responsibility to support farmers. So, now is the time to make difficult decisions that in the long run benefit farmers, society, our animals and the environment.

April 2021

13/04/2021 13:29:35

LITTLE AND OFTEN NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Josie Troop talks about making small changes to ensure sustainable farming works for their family farm

he sustainable practices on my family farm in Nottinghamshire are small but successful. Implementing change on farm comes with a certain level of risk, and we always need to look out for what’s right for us in terms of management, our land and our animals’ welfare. Currently, we are a beef and arable farm split over two sites, buying-in and finishing calves at Ivy Farm in Newark alongside our arable land in Besthorpe. We grow around 250 acres of spring and winter barley, fodder beet and grass and

have additionally diversified our crop rotation to include maize. With our closed system, we can provide everything we require to then harvest, mill, and bale our own feed and bedding. Like many livestock farmers around the UK, our cattle provide us with nutrient-rich manure that drastically reduces our need for intensive fertilizer intervention. Applying our manure not only improves our soil quality and increases our yield but reduces atmospheric carbon levels, soil erosion and nitrate leaching. To support this, we are nearing the end of a two-year process of converting arable land back to former pasture land for cattle grazing. As most responsible farmers do, we tightly monitor chemical usage on farm, aiming to reducing our usage as crop varieties with improved pest and weed resistance are developed and technology improves. Where we do spray, typically with manganese and/ or herbicides for our control on common weeds, rainwater is collected and stored all-year round. With funding for environmental stewardship grants changing and the gradual reduction of BPS, there is now a real push for us to look at where we can

Is your farm w orking towards Net Zero by 2040? Sign u p to the pledge map by visiting NFUonline.co m/home/ were-in-fornet-zero

implement more sustainable practices on our farm. During the next few years the success of our business will require us to continue modifying our practices and getting our green fingers out. Our first steps to help maintain the diversity of our land have been taken at Besthorpe, where we have planted just over 250 whips of traditional English hedge. A day’s planting will continue to create a lifetime of benefits for our land, including game protection, insect control and will increase the number of bumblebees to further encourage the pollination of our crops. Unfortunately for us, raising the capital for shed roofs of solar panels is currently not viable, but we are keen to continue implementing small sustainable practices where we can and to find schemes that will help us continue the work we already achieve on farm. April 2021

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Not sure whe re to start on your farm ’s journey towards Net Zero 2040? Find loads o f help and resources at NFUonline.co m/ netzeroresou rces

HIGH HOPES, LOW EMISSIONS As a future farm vet, West Midlands ambassador

Katie Smith gives her take on how livestock farmers can work towards net zero by 2040

ustainability is something on everyone’s minds regardless of the industry they work in, but agriculture is an industry that often comes under fire when the topic of greenhouse gas emissions is brought up. With the NFU setting its goal of achieving net zero in British farming by 2040, the pressure is on for farmers to buckle down and make it our aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the industry. In 2019, I started on the Bioveterinary Science degree at Harper Adams University, and since then I have switched over to study Veterinary Medicine at the new Harper Keele

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Veterinary School. Being based at Harper, with several livestock enterprises on site, and studying a veterinary degree with the intention to go on to become a practising large animal vet, I am conscious that I will be part of the generation of vets that help the livestock farmers to achieve this target of sustainability. Livestock farming is constantly under pressure from the public and the media, and with a small but increasing portion of the population following a plant-based diet, it is crucial that as an industry we are able to continue to produce the same high standard, high welfare food that we currently do while

becoming more sustainable. It is the role of a vet to advise farmers on the ways they can maintain these high standards whilst achieving high productivity and efficiency on farm. Sustainability and productivity go hand in hand, so it will be crucial in the next two decades to tackle the challenges we will face in the journey to reaching net zero. In my opinion, the first step towards making livestock farming sustainable is improving herd health. There is no question that healthy animals are more productive, require fewer resources and are therefore more sustainable. Farmers should work together with their vets to produce effective health plans for their stock. Maintaining good biosecurity, implementing vaccination regimes and ensuring good animal welfare are all important steps to achieving better herd health, which will improve productivity and, in turn, increase sustainability. Once we have worked to achieve this, we will then be able to consider other factors that will reduce emissions. Grazing cattle on land that cannot be cultivated makes good use of pastures, using manure to fertilise crops and breeding for better, more productive animals can all contribute towards sustainability. We may also wish to consider the use of by-products of livestock farming and utilise materials such as green bedding, where the dry content of slurry is turned into a sustainable bedding option for use in indoor cattle housing. The prospect of helping the industry work towards more sustainable production is really exciting, and although the idea of graduation seems far away it will soon be something for my generation of vets to work towards with livestock farmers. There are so many exciting things to learn and observe in the veterinary field, and as it is ever-changing, we have the opportunity to adapt and move towards these goals.

April 2021

13/04/2021 13:31:46

#CLIMATECHANGE

SECURING FARMING’S ENVIRONMENTAL FUTURE The winners of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs Climate Change Competition have been announced. Huw Hopkins finds out more.

ounger people are not usually asked, but they have the answers to what’s going on in the world right now. A group of young farmers have been working on making the farming more friendly to the plant as part of the Climate Change Competitions in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which sought the best ideas to achieve the NFU’s goal of reaching net zero by 2040. As farming tries to tackle the issue of climate change, the older generation might be a little long in the tooth or more hesitant to adjust what they have spent their life doing. It’s understandable in some ways, which is why the UK’s young farming groups – the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs of England and Wales (NFYFC), the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs and the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster – joined forces with the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and the Ulster Farmers’ Union to create a truly national competition. It helped spur a bevvy of creative ideas from young farmers around the country

WINNERS Each nation has announced its winners (except Wales):

ENGLAND

Under-18 – William Whittall Over-18 – Elliot Cole

NORTHERN IRELAND

Under-18 – Allister Crawford Over-18 – Trent Brown

SCOTLAND

Overall – Patrick Barbour

NFU CYMRU

The partnership between NFU Cymru and Wales YFC will launch its competition in the next few weeks. Stay tuned to the yfc.wales website for details to enter.

“FEWER RESOURCES ARE PUT INTO GROWING FOOD FOR THE BIOGAS PLANT AND THIS MEANS REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION. USING WASTE PRODUCTS MEANS THE SYSTEM IS MUCH MORE EFFICIENT.” and inspired schools and colleges, such as Reaseheath, to incorporate the challenge into their classrooms and curriculums. Elliot Cole (pictured above) won the England’s over-18 category by using litter from his farm’s poultry sheds and manure from bulls as fuel. The 400-acre farm has cut its artificial fertiliser consumption by 99%, and it is powered by an on-farm wind turbine and biogas plant. He said: “This is beneficial as fewer resources are put into growing food for the biogas plant and this means reduction of greenhouse gas emission. Using waste products means the system is much more efficient.” Each nation has offered prizes for their

respective winners, and the winners of the over-18 categories will be invited to spend a day with the Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme learning about climate friendly farming techniques, as well as hearing from some of the NFU’s experts on how we can all aim to achieve net zero. The NFYFC has published a report to bring together the knowledge that has been put forward by the entries, find out more at NFYFC.org.uk. You can see videos of the winning entries at NFUonline.com/climate April 2021

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08/04/2021 13:48:03

#EDUCATION

Get ahead with Harper Advance

DETERMINATION IN ACTION Covid-19 hasn’t prevented agriculture students from

completing their final year research projects

he majority of students nationwide were told to stay away from their universities until at least early March, thanks to the battle against coronavirus. But that didn’t stop Harper Adams final year students getting stuck in to research covering a range of important and inspiring topics. The importance of field to fork education is at the heart of work by Elsa Amiss, who is focusing on the views of agriculturalists and educators and Nieves Lovatt, who is seeking to determine whether access to farming education from a young age affects the food choices of 18 to 24-year-olds. The education theme continues with Emily Church, who is focusing on training in the dairy industry, while Ellie Wait, considering commercial sustainability, investigates the viability of a digital

marketing strategy for UK farm businesses diversified into agri-tourism. Further sustainable farming topics shine through with James Burman exploring regenerative farming and the methods used to remove cover crops before cash crops are planted. Sophie Bell is studying the effect of feeding TMR to dairy heifer calves on their health, while Gareth Williams turns the spotlight on waste plastic management in agriculture and Harry Priestley’s study seeks ways to control mastitis in sheep. Their work, and the hundreds more final year research projects continuing this year, are a clear demonstration of their determination amid the current challenges and the safe hands the industry will be in for the future. You can read more about their stories at harper.ac.uk

At this time of year, the ‘Harper on Tour’ team would usually be travelling throughout the UK, at schools, colleges and soon, agricultural shows and other big events, sharing advice about the journey to university, making the right choices, student life and more. But this year they can’t – so instead they have developed a series of engaging, inspiring virtual sessions that, as a result, are open to a much wider audience across more of the country. Harper Advance is designed to help future professionals across food, farming, land management, engineering, business, environmental management and animal health connect to their future by exploring career options and some of the key information future university students need. The sessions should hopefully spark debate, open up new horizons and broaden understanding of potential professions.

“WE HOPE HARPER ADVANCE WILL CONNECT WITH STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, KEEPING THEM ENGAGED AND INFORMED ABOUT THEIR UNIVERSITY OPTIONS” The sessions began in January and are currently scheduled until the end of June, with topics including: Climate Change; Innovation in Agriculture; Life as a Rural Chartered Surveyor; Food Careers; Hydroponics; and Women in Engineering. Widening Participation Officer Rachel Brookes said: “We hope Harper Advance will connect with students across the country, keeping them engaged and informed about their university options and how they can access degrees that will open doors to exciting and fulfilling future careers. The sessions are not just open to students. They will be also be helpful to teachers, careers advisors, parents and carers: anyone supporting young people’s career journeys.” Sessions will be led by outreach staff, academic staff and/or students. Explore them and book at harper.ac.uk/events

April 2021

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#REASEHEATHCOLLEGE

HIGHER AND HIGHER

SF finds out about the UK’s largest training and research centre for vertical farming at Reaseheath College

ertical farming is the practice of growing plants indoors under fully controlled and sterile conditions in stacked layers. This way of growing safe, healthy and nutritious food locally has been welcomed by environmentalists due to its low food miles and smaller land requirement. The Vertical Farming Centre is part of the new Institute of Sustainability and Food Innovation, a joint venture between Reaseheath and the University of Chester. It aims to showcase the technological innovations within this fast growing and specialised sector and offers students and businesses the opportunity for applied research and technical training. Covering 200 square metres, the main facility has three floor-to-ceiling growing chambers while a separate research growing room allows for micro scale testing and trials such as the effects of different light levels, temperature and nutrient recipes on plant growth and development. An exciting aspect of such sensitive

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systems is that they can delay or speed up maturation of crops to order and research indicates that yield could be 10 times higher than that of crops grown in traditional farming methods. There is also potential to grow crops for specific nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits, and to use solar power for energy. Reaseheath Head of Projects, Research and Innovation Simon Burgess said: “This is an exceptionally exciting project that offers tremendous benefits to our students and our academic and industry partners. University Centre Reaseheath is extremely good at applying practical science to commercial research and this will open up a lot of opportunities, for instance, through our ability to set up trials and develop the optimum conditions for growing particular crops. “We are also looking to engage schools and colleges and excite students about digital and STEM subjects, particularly programming and statistics. Hopefully, this will open their minds to potential careers within the food production,

horticultural and agricultural industries.” The installation, by iGrowing, has been supported by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, which has contributed £340,000 through its Local Growth Fund. This government funding is available for projects which benefit the local area and its economy. iGrowing’s Martin Ellis talked about the installation: “It will provide excellent hands-on access for students and businesses and enable them to fully understand the benefits, both commercial and environmental, of these growing systems. There is no doubt that vertical farming will play a greater part in sustainable crop production in the future.” Crop production supervisor Jake Jackson, a University Centre Reaseheath graduate, is in charge of the day-to-day management of the new facility. He said: “This is an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of modern technology. This leading edge system is particularly relevant to food production, as the sector is constantly striving for quicker turn arounds with minimal carbon footprint. I’m extremely excited as to where this might lead. Who knows, in the future we may see vertical farms on supermarket roofs!” There is potential for Reaseheath undergraduates studying agri business and crop production to gain experience in the Vertical Farming Centre. To find out more, visit the website at www.ucreaseheath.ac.uk/courses/ agriculture

April 2021

13/04/2021 13:32:26

#SUCCESSION

SUCCESSION? DO IT RIGHT While succession planning is usually a tricky conversation

to have, it’s also an important one. Ruth Wills meets young farmer Bertie Newman to find out how he’s getting on after taking the reins at home in Dorset. Photos by Emily Whitfield-Wicks

aking over the family farm at the age of 24, you could forgive Bertie Newman for being somewhat daunted – but this forward-thinking young producer is taking the business from strength to strength. Not afraid to make changes, in just 18 months he has increased stock numbers, using a mixture of contract farming and rented land, while retaining the flexibility to adjust to variations in market conditions. “The beauty of having a mix of enterprises is that it spreads your risk and means you can focus on what’s good at the time,” he explained. Right now, the organic farm has 110 Friesian x Aberdeen Angus suckler cows, 1,000 North Country Cheviot ewes, 20-30 bought-in stores to finish, and 120 dairy x beef calves on a newly established TB Isolation April 2021

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#SUCCESSION

“I THINK THAT IF YOU’RE WILLING TO WORK HARD AND BORROW SOME MONEY THERE’S NOTHING TO STOP YOU”

Unit. The home farm comprises 132ha, with 607ha of Higher Level Stewardship grazing and silage leys on various rental agreements. “It all starts and finishes here, with the stores grazing off-lying ground in between,” he said.

THE DIFFICULT (OR EASY?) CONVERSATION

Bertie’s parents, Dan and Helen, previously rented Manor Farm, and when the opportunity arose to buy it in 2017, he took over the reins. They now farm in partnership, with his father stepping sideways to buy and sell dairy breeding cows from across Europe and his mother managing the office and accounts. Dan said: “I wanted Bertie to run the home farm – there’s nothing worse than having two bosses, so I try not to interfere too much. The big decisions are still part of the partnership but he has a lot of freedom to do what he wants on a day-today basis.”

to run a closed herd, breeding Angus replacements, but there came a time when it was better to sell them as stores and buy dairy crosses. “They’re small cows, at 550kg liveweight, but they calve easily and produce lots of milk. We used to be yearround calving but I’m working towards a March block now.” Bertie weans the calves in October and November and houses them on straw over the winter, while the cows outwinter on kale and silage bales. The youngstock get homegrown grass and clover silage, then graze the following summer. He said: “We finish the Charolais crosses at grass but the dairy types need

more feed, so we finish them inside for the last 60 days on 4kg of rolled barley plus silage and pea and barley wholecrop.” He aims to finish stock at 24 months and 300kg deadweight, and sells year-round for even cash flow. “It’s difficult to finish them any faster on an organic system.” Most grade at O and O+ and average 280kg deadweight. “It would be lovely to have all R3Ls but we have to be careful not to let the heifers get too fat – it’s so expensive to add fat that it’s a waste of money getting to a 4 grade.” Since establishing the TB Isolation Unit in September 2019, Bertie aims to buy batches of 150 dairy x beef calves in the spring and autumn, with the plan to get

BEEFY BUSINESS

Apart from a five-bay cattle shed and a Dutch barn, there were no buildings when the Newmans bought the farm, so they have since erected a 75x45 foot calf shed and grain store, and two 165x45 foot cattle barns. The suckler cows go to Charolais and Limousin terminal sires, and calve in March and August. Bertie said: “We used

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April 2021

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#SUCCESSION

them TB free after two 60-day tests. “The plan is to house them for their first winter, graze them over the summer and second winter, and finish them indoors. “By not housing them all I can bring more in – I will monitor their weights regularly and sell the less productive ones – they need to be finished at two years, or we will be overstocked.”

INFORMATION IS POWER

Bertie weighs the dairy calves, weaned suckler calves, and finishing stock every three to four weeks and records all of the information on Breedr – a free app that predicts finishing times and streamlines herd management. He said: “It syncs with the British Cattle Movement Service and can record our medicine use. All the stock have electronic ear tags, so I can just shut the crush, scan the weigh head and the weight pings straight onto the animal’s record. Also, I can go through the shed with a stick reader and see everything about the animal on my phone, which helps me to make good decisions. “I can draw the right stock by looking at their weights and growth rates, keeping the ones that are still growing fast and selling those that have slowed down. It’s so easy to monitor them, and I can also look at the performance of calves from different sires which influences breeding decisions. I can do all of this without having to go back to the office.”

“I CAN GO THROUGH THE SHED WITH A STICK READER AND SEE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE ANIMAL ON MY PHONE, WHICH HELPS ME TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS” Although growth rates slow down when the stock are outwintered – to about 0.5-0.6kg a day – the cattle compensate when they are brought back to in-bye land, putting on up to 2kg a day. Bertie said: “Next spring I might buy some TB-free calves as the TB unit is full – if I start buying from multiple farms then I will probably colostrum test, because it’s so important.” If the dairy suppliers are also using Breedr, the data on each individual animal passes from one farm to the next, with the finished data passing back down the chain, enabling better decision making at every step. It’s also possible to trade livestock through the app, either from farm to farm or direct to the end processor. “It’s so easy to monitor the calves throughout their life – I will probably end up getting rid of the suckler cows and rear more calves when Arla’s rule over tracing calves comes into effect in January.”

DIVERSE DIVERSIFICATION

Being organic, Bertie grows herbal leys with red and white clover, chicory, plantain and ryegrass – this ensures robust pasture with good drought tolerance and productivity. He said: “I plate meter and move the stock every three to four days – if the grass gets ahead of the stock I will cut

it, and I mow it after grazing to get rid of any thistles.” He also does some contract baling – enough to pay for decent kit – and is installing a silage clamp to try and reduce costs. “I want good quality feed as you can always bulk it out – you can’t bulk bad quality feed out. I would like to grow more pea and barley wholecrop for protein, we just need more land.” When it comes to the sheep enterprise, half of the ewes go to a Texel terminal sire, with the rest to Cheviots for replacements. “I usually finish everything but will sell earlier if the trade is good.” They lamb outdoors in April, averaging 130% weaned – something he is looking to improve by introducing Romney genetics. “I like the Romney proflicacy, but they are a bit soft – our flock are very low cost with no feed bar grass.” Running a closed flock, he focuses on minimising lameness and disease – at shearing he only identified three lame ewes out of 1,000. Bertie said: “They have two chances with lameness, lambing and mastitis – two ticks and they’re out.” He weans the lambs in August and sells from then until Christmas, both live and deadweight. “It’s good to have flexibility – if I lose ground I can just destock and go contracting for a bit.”

‘WILLING TO LEARN’

Bertie’s attention to detail and data-based decision making earned him a spot as finalist in the Farmers Weekly young farmer of the year award 2020. “I felt very honoured to be shortlisted. I’m always willing to learn and we have been an AHDB strategic farm for the past four years – I love looking round other people’s farms and learning from them. I think that if you’re willing to work hard and borrow some money there’s nothing to stop you.” April 2021

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Chris O’Donovan Photography/Samaritans

Whatever you’re facing We’re here to listen

If you’re going through a tough time, you don’t have to face it alone.

Call free day or night on

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13/04/2021 10:10:21

#ASSOCIATE

GROWING UP? If you’re over the age of 26, the time has come for you to

relinquish your NFU Students & Young Farmers membership. Never fear, we’ve got the next step lined up for you.

FU Associate welcomes individuals connected with the agricultural sector, or those with a passion for the industry, who want to keep their finger on the pulse with the latest news and developments. Associate membership of the NFU provides exclusive access to member-only material, specialist personal legal advice and support, as well as unrivalled member benefits and discounts.

“JOINING THE NFU AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER HAS BEEN A GREAT WAY FOR ME TO STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE WORK OF THE NFU AND NEWS IN THE INDUSTRY” Former NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador and crop scientist Dr Georgina Barratt recently became an NFU Associate member. Here’s what she has to say about it: “Joining the NFU as an associate member has been a great way for me to stay up to date with the work of the NFU and news in the industry which I first discovered the value of as a student and young farmer member. “I joined the NFU on a Students & Young Farmers membership in 2016 when I was an undergraduate studying agriculture at the

University of Nottingham. As membership was free, I thought it would be worthwhile even if I didn’t get much from it. Little did I know that three years later I would be part of the first cohort of NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors, meeting other likeminded members and representing the industry I love in places such as London and Brussels! “2020 was my last year as a Students & Young Farmers member and I was about to start a job as an applied crop scientist at the British Beet Research Organisation. I

joined as an associate member in January 2021 and immediately signed up for NFU Live 2021. I really enjoyed attending the NFU’s annual conference last year and was pleased that my Associate membership meant I could listen in this year. “Another benefit is that I also receive British Farmer & Grower magazine and bulletins from my region, which is great as it allows me to keep up to date with developments in the wider industry as well as pick up on any sugar beet news, which can help me in my job. I have found it particularly interesting to follow the Red Tractor consultation and the information I have access to through my membership has helped me understand how Red Tractor works currently and the issues being raised at present. “In addition to access to online information, publications and meetings or conferences, there are also a host of member rewards available to help save loads of money, such as vehicle and trailer training discounts. “If you have been a Students & Young Farmers member and you want to stay connected, then I would highly recommend becoming an associate member when you’re ready. For £49 there are so many benefits, and this is much less than membership of many other organisations. For those who have never been involved with the NFU I would also recommend joining as no matter what sector of agriculture you work in the NFU will cover it.”

AS AN NFU ASSOCIATE MEMBER YOU CAN: •

•

• • • • •

Access a wealth of industry leading information including our weekly email Bulletin, regular sector e-newsletters and our monthly print magazine British Farmer & Grower or Farming Wales Be part of a unique community of like-minded people within the agricultural industry, with the opportunity to network at member meetings and events Stay connected with a personal login to the NFU website and NFU app giving access to member-only content at any time Receive free personal legal advice from our in house team Be more informed and better understand how our work supports farmers and growers, and propagates a successful industry Save on selected new vehicles from a number of leading manufacturers with our exclusive member only discounts (exclusions apply) All for just £49 a year!

To find out more or to sign up, please visit NFUonline.com/membership/ membership-news/nfu-associate/

April 2021

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#GRADUATES

FIGHTING YOUR CORNER There's a bunch of super new NFU graduates ready to help farmers everywhere, so let's introduce them

Name: Zoë Moore Age: 25 From: Lancashire Studied: Geography at the University of Cambridge What have you been doing since you joined the NFU? I’ve been working in the Land Use and Innovation department within both the Net Zero and Science and Regulatory Affairs teams. It’s been a brilliant experience and I’ve been able to work on a variety of different projects including our Local Authority booklet for net zero and agriculture and the NFU’s ELM Net Zero Test and Trial. If you could swap a role with someone at the NFU, who would it be and why? It would be really interesting to experience a week in the CallFirst advice team. Although I’m not sure I’d be much use in offering any advice (yet!), I think it would be really beneficial to hear the kinds of concerns members have and I’m sure I’d learn a huge amount from our own specialist advisers. It would also be a great way to have more conversations with members – something I loved about working on the ELM Test and Trial.

“I FEEL INCREDIBLY LUCKY TO LIVE IN A COUNTRY THAT PRODUCES SUCH HIGHQUALITY, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD” Best thing you’ve learned since working at the NFU? I have learned an incredible amount over the past few months! It’s only when you are on the inside that you fully appreciate just how much the NFU does. And what a great bunch of people the staff are! Everyone is so passionate about what they do, and what the NFU stands for. Before starting at the NFU I did have the impression that that is what it would be like – it’s been great to have it confirmed and actually experience it! Why do you back British farming? Growing up I didn’t really think about where my food came from. But now I feel incredibly lucky to live in a country that produces such high-quality, environmentally friendly and sustainable food.

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Name: Neeve McGinty Age: 23 From: Liverpool Studied: International Relations and Politics/ International Public and Political Communication at the University of Sheffield What have you been doing since you joined the NFU? I’m currently undertaking my first placement with the campaigns team. I’ve been working on our Access and Countryside Code campaign, focusing on all things dogs! I also sit in the social media team where I’ve been creating public and member facing content.

“I’VE BEEN WORKING ON OUR ACCESS AND COUNTRYSIDE CODE CAMPAIGN, FOCUSING ON ALL THINGS DOGS! ” If you could swap a role with someone at the NFU, who would it be and why? I’d swap with a member of our design team because they get really cool briefs. Our videographer is currently working on a food waste project which has involved making lots of soup out of vegetable peelings and setting up a studio in his kitchen to film the results. What is your dream job? This may sound random, but in another life, I would have loved to have been a professional florist! I really enjoy being creative, which I get to do a lot working in campaigns, and the art of floristry just amazes me. Best thing you’ve learned since working at the NFU? I don’t have a background in agriculture, and you don’t get many farms in central Liverpool, so I’ve learned a lot in the past few months. I think my favourite thing I’ve learned is the seasonality of different types of fruit and vegetables. It’s definitely made me think twice about what’s in my basket when I’m out shopping. Why do you back British farming? British farmers are committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and I am always so fascinated to hear what our members are already doing for climate-friendly food production

April 2021

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#GRADUATES

Name: Alastair Heinrich Age: 27 From: Warwickshire Studied: Agri Business at Harper Adams University

Name: Izzy Rayner Age: 23 From: Berkshire Studied: Geography at the University of Glasgow

What have you been doing since you joined the NFU? I’ve spent the past six months within the food and farming team working on a range of projects including relaunching the NFU Turkey Finder, nitrogen-use efficiency and helping with the response to the Defra Improvement to animal welfare in transport consultation.

What have you been doing since you joined the NFU? I have spent the first six months of the scheme with the Brussels office which represents the four UK farming unions in the EU. The online meetings and conferences have been fantastic to learn how the EU’s current and future policies and regulations effect EU and UK farmers.

“I BELIEVE THAT FARMING IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE INDUSTRIES IN THE UK”

“I HAVE SPENT THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE SCHEME WITH THE BRUSSELS OFFICE”

What is your dream job? I wanted to be Batman when I was five, but now I’d say the dream job would be running a mixed beef and arable farm somewhere with a good view.

Best thing you’ve learned since working at the NFU? There are so many varying discussions that involve agriculture which the NFU is involved in, from climate change to providing educational materials to schools, as well as from the labelling of food products to footpaths.

Why do you back British farming? I believe that farming is one of the most important and valuable industries in the UK. It has adapted over time to meet the needs of the public and there are not many industries that are so heavily relied upon and hold such potential in the years to come.

Why do you back British farming? To allow our farmers and growers to keep thriving to provide us with healthy and nutritious food and drink, under high environmental and welfare standards.

JOIN THE CAUSE! NFU AGRICULTURAL POLICY GRADUATE SCHEME 2021 Do you have a passion for agriculture? Would you like the opportunity to really make a difference to NFU members? If yes, then the NFU’s Agricultural Policy Graduate Scheme is for you.

GRADUATE TRAINEE, £24,500 PA, PLUS:

• • •

A one-off graduate entry scheme payment of £1,000 25 days annual leave (plus statutory bank holidays) Two-year fixed term contract commencing September 2021

The NFU is the UK’s largest trade association representing farmers and growers across England and Wales. It 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. The Agricultural Policy Graduate Scheme offered by the NFU 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. We will develop your knowledge of the NFU the agriculture and horticulture industries and the issues facing our members, by offering you a comprehensive and purpose built programme. This will include working in a variety of departments, such as Policy, Food and Farming, and NFU’s regional offices. You will have or be predicted to have a 2:1 degree or above and have excellent team working, problem solving, communication and project management skills. The desire to represent and help our members and to progress within the NFU is an essential requirement. Knowledge of the agricultural industry or a background in farming would be a distinct advantage. You will be required to work in various locations throughout the UK and therefore a flexible approach to location is essential.

CLOSING DATE: 03 MAY 2021

For further details and how to apply please visit our careers page at www.nfuonline.com/careers/ For any queries, please email hr@nfu.org.uk or call 02476 858742. April 2021

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#FREESTUFF THE NEW NOR

SEPTEMBER

IT’S FREE?

MAL EDITION

2020

Eveey Hunter

Cameron Knee

Josie Troop

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NFU Student & Young Farmer membership is free to students and YFC members. It allows you to have a say and contribute towards the future of agriculture and horticulture, and you will benefit from access to experts in policy, food and farming, plus bonus perks!

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Join the largest and most influential farming association and receive: • Student Farmer magazine and British Farmer & Grower or Farming Wales magazine delivered to your door • The latest news and briefings from our policy experts in NFU Bulletin, sector-specific and regional e-newsletters • Access to member-only content on NFUonline with a unique login • Special and heavily-discounted member rates to attend NFU Conference and other events • 10% saving on B+E Trailer Training • Welfare of Animals in Transport test for £35 (+VAT) • 15% off airport parking and hotels with APH • Savings on Dickies Workwear online • Huge savings on Merlin Entertainment (Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and many more)

VISIT NFUONLINE.COM/STUDENT TO SIGN UP TO FREE NFU STUDENT & YOUNG FARMER MEMBERSHIP TODAY 12/01/2021

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NFU LIVE EVENTS

Alternatively you can contact NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 to book onto the event, or your regional office:

Once you're a signed up NFU Student & Young Farmer Member, you're entitled to take part in the NFU Live webinars, where industry specialists and experts come together to give advice and answer questions on all things farming.

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The next NFU Live events are: • NFU Net Zero Conference 5 May, 10am - 1pm • NFU Education 19 May, Time TBC • Pre-harvest farm safety in conjunction with the Agricultural Contractors 9 June, 1:30pm

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HOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE

Please note: NFU live events are hosted on Microsoft Teams. You will not need a Microsoft Teams account to watch the event and will be able to watch via a web browser. Submitted questions will only be seen by our session moderators and panellists unless they are published.

To register your interest and attend an event, visit www.nfuonline.com/membership/shows-and-events/, click on the event you want to attend and hit “Register your Interest” button at the bottom of the article. You will receive a confirmation email to say you have been registered, and then you will also receive a separate email, the day before the event, which will include the joining instructions you will need. Please check your junk mail for the joining instructions as they may be sent here.

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East Midlands: Call 01572 824250 or email east.midlands@nfu.org.uk East Anglia: Call 01638 672111 or email meetingsea@nfu.org.uk North East: Call 01904 451550 or email north.east@nfu.org.uk North West: Call 01695 554900 or email north.west@nfu.org.uk South East: Call 01730 711950 or email south.east@nfu.org.uk South West: Call 01392 440700 or email south.west@nfu.org.uk West Midlands: Call 01952 400500 or email west.midlands@nfu.org.uk

If you would like to watch an event on an Android or Apple smartphone or tablet, you will need to download the Microsoft Teams app from the Google Play/App Store and you will need to sign in with or create a Microsoft Teams account.

April 2021

13/04/2021 13:35:05

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