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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Taster for the Year of Food and Farming at the Great Yorkshire Show
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