Young People Wanted for A Life On The Land
02/07/07

Wanted – dynamic, enthusiastic young people for ‘a life on the land’

Look to the countryside to see how it can give you the career of your dreams – this is the exciting message from the NFU as its launches a new report today to attract young people to jobs in agriculture.

As part of the NFU’s Why Farming Matters campaign ‘A life on the land’ is aimed at encouraging young people who are about to leave school and start on the first step of their career ladder to look at the wealth of opportunities available working in agri-businesses. And it also serves as a reminder that you don’t need a farming background to have a successful career in the industry.

Packed with real life case studies, the report aims to inspire young people and give them advice on where to go to get the ball rolling.

Vice President Paul Temple says: “A life on the land in the 21st century is not just about muddy wellies and dirty finger nails – it’s about adapting new technology, selling to your strengths and listening to your customer.

“We’re on the look out for young people to take agriculture and horticulture on to even greater success. Farming needs dynamic, committed young people who are prepared to work hard, develop their skills and who take pleasure in reaping the rewards of their labour.

“This is the best life and the best job I could possibly think of. The benefits of the countryside are fantastic and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

The report offers much more than a basic career guide. It shows how people from all walks of life have carved out successful agri-careers from being at the sharp end on-farm to developing new technologies and using science and research to push the industry’s boundaries even further.

Twenty-five-year-old Helen Garnhan knows first-hand how science is helping to develop agriculture for the better. Despite having no farming background she works for Innovis, a company that provides artificial insemination services for livestock farmers. However it was a love of genetics and a degree in animal science that got her interested in the industry.

She said: “I have always been interested in the health and genetics side of things and knew I didn’t want to sit in an office crunching numbers all day.

“I am really lucky – this job is varied with a good balance of working with animals, being in an office and laboratory work. Having happy clients whose sheep have gone through an artificial insemination with us and then saying it has produced their best ram ever gives me great job satisfaction.

“I would advise anyone thinking about a career in agriculture you need to look at what you are interested in and get some experience, whether that’s work experience or voluntary work after school. Working on a farm during lambing season for example gives you some extra money, as well as good experience and will really open your eyes to the industry.”

Dispelling myths and providing real facts, ‘A life on the land’ is the latest theme of the NFU’s national Why Farming Matters campaign and shows why young people really matter to farming.

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