Why UK Farming Needs a New Generation of Passionate Young People
As someone who has grown up on a family farm and is now raising my own children on the same land, I can tell you firsthand that farming is more than just a job – it’s a way of life.
But, let’s be honest, the farming community is facing some big challenges these days. One of the biggest? The fact that the average age of a farmer in the UK is creeping up and up.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the wisdom and experience of our older generation of farmers are invaluable. But if we’re going to keep British farming thriving, we need to bring more young people into the fold. You can't take the long view without considering the fresh faces who'll be working the land someday - the future of agriculture depends on them, and it’s something I’m really passionate about.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about why it’s so important to get young people interested in farming, how social media influencers and even celebrities are changing the game, and the exciting new paths young folks are taking to join this vital industry.
The Current State of Farming in the UK
When you picture a farmer, what comes to mind? For many people, it’s an image of an older gentleman in well-worn wellies and a tweed flat cap, and for good reason. The reality is that, according to official UK Government statistics in 2023, 35% of principal farmers and holders in the UK were aged 65 years or older, and only 16% were under 45 years old.
What looks like a mere statistical oddity actually masks a problem of substantial proportions. As our seasoned farmers approach retirement, there aren’t enough young people stepping in to fill their boots.
Why does this matter? Well, without new blood, the knowledge and skills that have been honed over generations risk being lost. Farming isn’t something you can just learn overnight – it takes years of experience to understand the land, the seasons, and the intricacies of taking care of livestock. Our current farmers have this in spades, but we need to ensure that their wealth of knowledge is passed down and built upon by the next generation.
The good news is, that there’s a growing interest among young people in sustainable living and knowing where their food comes from. This is a fantastic opportunity for the farming community to tap into this enthusiasm and show young folks that farming is not only a viable career choice but also a fulfilling and crucial one.
The Generational Shift in Farming
Farming has long been a family affair, passed down from generation to generation.
Traditionally, if your dad or grandad was a farmer, chances were you’d follow in their footsteps. Children of farmers would learn the ropes from a young age, so these kids grew up already part of the farming population, learning everything from milking cows to planting crops.
It was a given that they would one day take over the family farm business. What happened next was what really mattered: farming skills were shielded from disappearing, and the knowledge was transferred to eager minds.
However, like with everything, times naturally change. Now, we all have so many more opportunities and those from rural families may choose to go down different paths. While this is brilliant and a crucial part of societal development, it also means that it’s not as easy to know exactly who will be taking over the land in the future.
On the flip side, it means that those not from farming backgrounds can get involved in agriculture more easily than they used to be able to. So, it doesn't mean the end of the world, it just means our perspectives may have to be shifted slightly.
Why It’s Important for Young People to Understand Farming
It's easy to overlook the efforts of our British farmers, but without them, our plates would be empty and our landscapes bare - they're the ones working tirelessly to keep our environment thriving and our economy humming.
Beyond the muddy yards and milking cows, farming is a sophisticated business that requires everything from marketing savvy to soil science expertise - it's essentially a whole new ball game. By engaging young people in the farming sector, we’re not just securing the future of our food; we’re also creating a generation that values sustainability and innovation.
It is essential for people to understand the value of our farms for several reasons:
- Economic Stability: Without farmers, our food supply, and our economy, would collapse - it's that simple. Youth in agriculture is vital to make sure this doesn't happen for future generations.
- Sustainable Practices: Younger people tend to bring fresh perspectives and are more likely to embrace new technologies and drive innovation. This, combined with tried-and-tested knowledge from current farmers, can create eco-friendly practices that protect both our environment and our countryside.
- Community Building: Imagine a future where our children can still ramble through green fields, explore sleepy villages, and enjoy the charms of rural England – let's take action to preserve this heritage for them.
If you're interested in learning more about British farming and its crucial role in our lives, we have plenty of further articles over on our blog for you to read. We'd suggest starting with Supporting British Farmers and Their Role in Our Communities.
How to Become a Farmer in the UK
So, hopefully, we've now established that it's vital to continue supporting and encouraging young people to see farming as a rewarding career.
But how do we actually get young people interested and involved? Let's have a look at modern paths into the industry.
There are various routes you can take:
- Agricultural Degrees: Many UK universities offer degrees in agricultural sciences, agribusiness, horticulture, and related fields. The University of Reading, Queen's University Belfast, Newcastle University, and Royal Agricultural University are all fantastic options.
- Online Courses: Platforms like FutureLearn offer courses in sustainable agriculture, soil science, and more.
- Farm Apprenticeships: Many UK farms offer apprenticeship programmes where you can learn on the job. Here, you can get hands-on experience from those who live and breathe the land.
- Apply for Jobs: You could also simply research farms across the country, get in touch with the farm managers, and ask if they have any work going. They might need help with odd jobs around the yard throughout the year or have specific seasonal work like lambing or harvesting.
One shining example of this new wave of young farmers is Kaleb Cooper from “Clarkson’s Farm.” Not from a farming background himself, his involvement in agriculture began at age 13 when he started helping out at a dairy farm. Now, he's a successful farmer who has made quite a name for himself.
His journey shows that you don’t need to inherit a farm to make a significant impact in agriculture. Young people can enter the industry through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn.
We'd like to mention National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs too. This is a great organisation which helps to support young people in the industry. You don't even have to be a farmer to join, you just have to love the countryside!
The Role of Social Media and Influencers in British Farming
Speaking of celebrity farmers, let’s talk about something that’s really shaking up the farming world: social media.
Gone are the days when farming was seen as an old-fashioned, out-of-sight occupation. Today, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are buzzing with young farmers sharing their daily lives, challenges, and successes with the world.
@farmerwill_ The things you do for love… #willandlambs #ukfarming #adoptmyflock ♬ original sound - Farmer Will
Take Farmer Will, for example. After appearing on the ninth season of Love Island, he is breaking down farming stereotypes and inspiring a whole new generation to consider agriculture as a career.
From feeding the animals at the crack of dawn to driving tractors across fields, his social media posts give a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to work on a farm. And it's clearly popular - he has 2M+ followers on TikTok!
And it’s not just Farmer Will. The Yorkshire Shepherdess shares her journey of shepherding in the UK through her social media and on the TV show, Our Yorkshire Farm. Her posts are a mix of educational content, stunning countryside views, and the realities of rural life. Her son, Reuben Owen, now has his own spin-off show, Life in the Dales, and is another great example of young people in the industry.
We've also put together a fun list of top UK celebrities who have become involved in farming over the last decade or so, which you can view here.
These influencers and famous faces are doing something incredibly important: they’re raising awareness and sparking interest in the agricultural sector among young people who might never have considered it otherwise. This kind of visibility is crucial in attracting young people to farming, showing them that it’s a vibrant, essential, and modern career path.
Summary
The future of farming is bright with the enthusiasm and passion of the younger generation. The support of experienced farmers, educational institutions, policymakers, and local communities is crucial in this journey. Social media is also playing its part, with influencers and celebrities showing agricultural activities in all their glory.
Both legacy farmers and city-bred advocates have one thing in common: the potential to evolve agriculture in the UK and around the globe. By providing the necessary resources, mentorship, and encouragement, we can help young people navigate the challenges of farming and succeed in their endeavours.
To all our veteran farmers out there, we’d love to hear your thoughts. What nugget of wisdom do you wish someone had shared with you when you first started out, and what would you tell newcomers to the industry? Let us know in the comments below.
And if you’re gearing up to start your farming journey or simply looking to update your workwear, check out our farm clothing collection. We've got everything you need to stay comfortable and protected while working on the land.
About the Author
Robert Coates is no stranger to the world of farm clothing! Residing on his family farm in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, he understands the importance of durable, practical garments for those who work the land. Whether he's discussing the latest innovations in waterproofing or sharing tips for selecting the best wellies, Robert's expertise is built upon his daily interactions with the challenges and rewards of agricultural life.
