Member Showcase

Starting out as a tractor, combine and crop sprayer operator, Harry worked for Rothamsted Research, becoming farm manager at Monsanto Cambridge. From there he took a role with John Deere UK Ltd as a Crop Systems Specialist involved in technical dealer sales support and training in combine harvester, crop sprayer and precision technology products. In 2013 Harry joined AHDB as a regional manager for the North of England and is now a Knowledge Exchange Manager with a focus technical knowledge exchange, mechanisation economics, soil management and technology uptake. Since 2023, Harry now heads up the Education team at BASIS, overseeing training, syllabus development, membership and registration.

How does Society membership help you in your current role?

I’m a relative newcomer to the Society. I felt I fell between the two former organisations, not being a farm manager or agricultural consultant. But in its new form, I signed up straight away. I’m hoping it allows networking with fellow members across the country, picking up new trends, ideas and training opportunities.   

Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years’ time?

Still involved in encouraging agriculturalists to think about their opportunities to learn, grow and develop their own thoughts and ideas for use in their daily working life. I often aim to apply some perspective, if it’s the weather or policy, we can usually say ‘we’ve been here before, what did we do then? And what can we do now, knowing what we know?’

How will membership help you reach this goal? What is the biggest benefit of membership to you?

Contact, and perhaps a grounding in today’s agricultural industry, the trends in policy, technology, education and demands form the consumer and our collective responsibility to our environment. I’m looking forward to exploring training opportunities.

How regularly do you attend regional and national events?

Not enough!  My diary is normally working 3 to 4 months ahead of time, meaning I need to book events early. I’m thankful the Society of Agriculture sets meeting and event dates well into the future, so there’s no excuse to not get involved.

A past Chair of the Society, John is a Divisional Director with Promar International, the agri-food value chain consultancy business owned by Genus plc. He has worked extensively on agri-food marketing assignments throughout the UK and in more than 60 other countries, with clients including government agencies, trade and industry associations and leading UK and international food and drink companies.

He is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Reading, was the Chair (for 6 years) of the Organising Committee of the City Food & Drink Lecture (held annually in London and organised by eight  City-based livery companies involved in the agricultural and food sectors), a member of the Agricultural Economics Society, and the past President of the UK Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Food, Drink and Agriculture Group. He still serves on the National Council and the Thames Valley branch of what is now the Society of Agriculture.

How does Society membership help you in your current role?

The Society provides me with opportunities to meet like-minded colleagues and offers an excellent forum for discussion of the key topics facing the industry. There is significant credibility to be gained from being an active member of a leading and well-respected professional organisation.

My involvement also allows me to give something back to the industry and to encourage the next generation into the agri-food sector, which I believe is critically important.

Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years’ time?

Continuing to work for the wellbeing of the industry. But I might well be retired too ! Over the last 20 years, I have had the opportunity to travel widely and gain insight into agriculture and food industries across the UK and around the world, but there are still places to visit and more to learn. And I will, of course, still be supporting Reading FC.

How will membership help you reach this goal? What is the biggest benefit of membership to you?

My membership of the Society provides a valuable forum for debate and the opportunity to gather perspectives from people working across the industry, helping me to maintain a broad and informed view of developments within the agri-food sector.

The biggest benefits to me are the events—particularly the annual Conference—the excellent regional events organised by the Thames Valley branch, the networking opportunities they create, and the overall professional credibility that Society membership brings.

How regularly do you attend regional and national events?

I attended most events organised by the Thames Valley branch for around 20 years and always try to attend the National Conference and the National Farm Walk. Events are a central part of what I do and how I do it, combining professional development with the strong sense of fellowship that comes from being actively involved. The Fellows’ Lunch is always particularly enjoyable.

Andrew is a Fellow practitioner of the Society and Managing Director for the 9,000ha Elveden Farms in Suffolk where he is responsible for the management and development of a rural business comprising 4,000ha farmed in hand, 2,600ha of woodland, 2,000ha environmentally sensitive heathland, 300ha let farms, as well as a significant number of diverse enterprises, including two pubs and a farm shop/restaurant.

How does Society membership help you in your current role?

My current duties are many and varied including all aspects of managing the estate and acting as the estate’s ambassador. I am also involved in a number of other organisations, including the NFU and the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

I have been a member of the Society for over 30 years.  I find membership is invaluable as it provides me with access to a network of like-minded and open-minded people who I can bounce ideas off, can learn from and rely on.

Where do you see yourself being in 5 year’s time?

I hope to still be driving the Elveden business forward and ensuring that farming is recognised and appreciated by society for its true worth.  Agriculture must continue to work harder to promote the excellent work that farmers do, both producing high quality food and protecting and enhancing the environment.

I believe members of the Society can be influential in this.  After all, who is better placed and resourced than the highly professional members of the Society?

How do you get involved with the Society and how does this benefit you?

I always attend the fantastic annual National Farm Management Conference and get to as many regional and national events as I can as they are excellent opportunities to learn from others, to share challenges and to help provide solutions.

Membership is as important to me now as when I first joined as a young, inexperienced manager because you never stop learning and can learn something from anyone.

Membership has assisted me in my career and given me the opportunity for personal development.  It has given me confidence and some exceptional contacts in the industry.

Carol (Caz) Johnson CEnv is an Agricultural Consultant with Hexham and Northern Rural, the chartered surveying and land agency division of Hexham and Northern Marts.

Caz grew up on the family farm in Appleby, Cumbria, spending her first 18 years helping with milking, lambing, clipping, feeding, harvesting and anything else that came along. After graduating from Newcastle University, she worked for the RPA inspections team, carrying out on-farm inspections of livestock, records and land.

At Hexham Auction Mart, she now works with clients across the North East, Cumbria and County Durham. Her specialist areas include the legacy Basic Payment Scheme, Environmental and Countryside Stewardship, SFI, capital grants work, Agricultural Transition and ELMS.

How does Society membership help you in your current role?

As the agricultural industry becomes increasingly specialised, I am keen to maintain a broad spectrum of knowledge to support my day-to-day role. Society membership is invaluable for personal development, CPD and the wide networking opportunities it provides.

Through my membership, I have been able to achieve Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status and was subsequently shortlisted as a finalist in the Recent Newcomer category at the SocEnv 2022 Awards.

The rapidly changing nature of the industry highlights the growing importance of the environmental element of agriculture, which will continue to form an increasing part of my professional role. Having a recognised qualification within the agricultural sector brings additional rigour and credibility to my professional responsibilities.

Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years’ time?

I want to continue delivering trusted, high-quality and bespoke advice and services to farmers, landowners and fellow professionals within the agricultural community. My aim is to be the ‘go-to’ adviser for my clients.

While aspects of my role—particularly the type of advice delivered—are likely to change significantly, the core of my work will remain the same. I will continue advising progressive, ambitious businesses looking to move forward, while also supporting smaller upland farms that form the backbone of the industry and are central to local communities. This is where my real passion lies.

Future agricultural policy is likely to see some land managed under stewardship-type schemes alongside areas dedicated to production. Farmers will need to navigate both approaches within a changing landscape to secure the best returns and sustain their businesses. In addition, other schemes may support diversification and investment in infrastructure.

How will membership help you reach this goal? What is the biggest benefit of membership to you?

The Society will support me by providing access to training and professional development to broaden my skills, alongside regular networking opportunities that help strengthen my communication skills and enhance my industry profile.

I also believe it will become increasingly important to hold a recognised affiliation with a professional body to demonstrate competence and credibility when delivering policy-related advice.

How regularly do you attend regional and national events?

I attend events regularly-both in person and the online.

I really look forward to attending events in person, meeting fellow members whom I have previously only seen online, and continuing these discussions face to face as often as I can. It would be particularly valuable to have a Northern group that meets regularly, helping to form a closer local network and more personal connections.

Member of SocAg and Recruitment Consultant

How does SocAg membership help you in your current role?

I am a Recruitment Consultant at MorePeople, specialising in recruitment for the food, fresh produce, horticultural, agricultural and rural sectors. I have a background working on multiple farms both in the UK and Australia, and I hold a degree in Politics from Manchester Metropolitan University, where I focused on agricultural policy.

SocAg supports me in my career by providing up-to-date information and industry news. It also gives me the opportunity to extend my professional network and better support both candidates and companies in their recruitment and job searches. Farming can be a complex sector to recruit into, and being a member of the Society gives both candidates and clients confidence that I can be trusted and that I have a strong understanding of, and experience within, the industry.

There is an extensive knowledge base to learn from, alongside access to CPD training and a variety of events throughout the year. Networking opportunities are particularly important in my role, and continuing to build and develop these relationships is fundamental.

Where do you see yourself being in 5–10 years’ time?

In the next five to ten years, I want to be able to look back knowing that I have made the most of the opportunities available to me. I aim to continue my professional development and make full use of the programmes, formal qualifications and opportunities on offer, ensuring that I continue to grow my network and strengthen working relationships across the industry.

I’m extremely grateful to those within SocAg and in my wider network, who have supported, and continued to support me. I hope to be able to do the same for upcoming members over the next few years and beyond too.

How do you get involved with SocAg and how does it benefit you?

As a relatively new member of the Society, having joined in 2024, I am grateful for a membership that allows me to learn, develop and flourish within the industry.

I try to attend as many local meetings as possible, whether branch meetings or farm walks. The annual Conference is always a highlight, with a real buzz around the future of farming shared by members. It is an exciting time for the industry, and making use of the Society’s knowledge base while meeting other members in person is incredibly valuable.

What would you say to any young person considering joining SocAg?

There are plenty of opportunities to become well established in this industry relatively quickly, and utilising memberships such as SocAg is one of the best ways to do so. Knowledge exchange between members at different stages of their careers, along with opportunities to attend branch meetings and farm walks, all contribute to this.

The annual reviews and training programmes also support continuous development and learning. SocAg provides valuable opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

James has been practising as a farm business consultant for over 40 years, specialising in renewable energy and helping farmers and landowners invest in their own on-farm renewable energy projects.

After time as an equity partner with Andersons (The Farm Business Consultants) and later as a director of Savills, he established his own consultancy business in 2004.

Why did you join the Society?

I joined the Society in 2004 when I set up on my own. Having previously worked within large consultancy organisations, I was used to having an internal network of colleagues with whom I could discuss ideas and challenges. When I went independent, that network disappeared overnight. The Society provided a diverse professional network through which I could continue to share ideas and experiences.

What have been the biggest advantages?

The events, without doubt. When you are invited to commercially run events, there is often a particular angle or agenda. The Society, on the other hand, focuses on securing the best speakers on the most relevant and pressing issues of the time. These events also provide valuable networking opportunities with people across the industry whom you might not otherwise come into contact with.

CPD is also vitally important, particularly in helping to ensure that farm management and consultancy are recognised as serious and respected professions.

And looking ahead?

The Society has an important role to play in helping those involved in farming to meet future challenges as they arise, as well as in promoting and demonstrating best practice across the sector. A good example of this is the importance of Chartered Environmentalist status, as environmental management issues will only continue to grow in significance.

Jill is the Chief Executive of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) and has dedicated over twenty years to the organisation. Her passion for farming drives her commitment to influencing the industry and advocating for agricultural contractors, while providing information, advice and promotion to the sector.

Safety is a top priority for Jill, and she has implemented numerous initiatives to support NAAC members in improving their safety management practices.

Jill grew up on a farm in Lincolnshire, holds a degree in Agriculture and is passionate about all aspects of farming. In 1999, she was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Scholarship and, in 2006, completed the SocAg Leadership Development Programme.

How does Society membership help you in your current role?

Contacts, contacts, contacts! The Society is incredibly useful for networking and meeting people from all sectors of the industry and from across the country, helping to broaden horizons. My involvement in the Leadership Development Programme also helped me considerably.

Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years’ time?

I will definitely still be working in farming, as I am passionate about the industry. I am currently balancing work with raising my two boys, but as they become more independent I would like to continue in a senior role within the industry while also giving something back.

How will membership help you reach this goal? What is the biggest benefit of membership to you?

I am a Professional Member of the Society, which provides an additional focus on CPD and personal development. This is something that can easily be overlooked when you are self-employed or, as in my case, organising CPD opportunities for others.

Being selected for the Leadership Development Programme has been the biggest benefit of my membership. It gave me a significant boost in confidence and helped shape my career, and since then the Society has continued to provide me with an invaluable professional network and lifelong friendships.

How regularly do you attend regional and national events?

Not as many as I would like, purely due to other commitments. However, I have attended the annual dinner and the John Alliston Memorial Lecture, and I always try to organise an annual reunion for my Society Leadership Programme year group.

FRICS FAAV ASAg CEnv
Managing Director, Tellus Natural Capital Ltd

What is your current role?

I am the co-founder and Managing Director of Tellus Natural Capital Ltd (www.tellusnatcap.com), a specialist consultancy business founded in 2021 to advise landowners and land managers on natural capital, ecosystem services and the opportunities these present for rural land and property management.

Tell us a bit more about your background and how this led to your current role.

I have been an Agricultural Valuer and Chartered Surveyor for more than 30 years, with a varied career path. I spent a decade working in private practice advising farmers and landowners, and also worked in academia as a Lecturer in Rural Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural College (now the Royal Agricultural University).

In 2008, I joined the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) as a Technical and Policy Adviser, representing and briefing around 3,000 Agricultural Valuers across the UK on topics ranging from residential property letting to compulsory purchase and taxation. When I began exploring natural capital and ecosystem services for the CAAV, I found it absolutely fascinating and ultimately that led me to decide to focus on it full time.

A chance conversation with a land agent friend about whether there was a market for a natural capital consultancy business led us to establish Tellus Natural Capital in 2021. It was quite a bold move in hindsight, because we had no clients and there barely any functioning natural capital markets at the time, but I’m glad we took the risk!

When would you say you became interested in environmental issues?

Growing up in a rural community, I was always interested in nature, but when I began working in rural land management the fundamental importance of the natural environment became very clear. Farmers and landowners depend on it directly in a way that much of society does not.

Everyone working in agriculture or rural property management is aware of how challenging it can be to balance competing demands for land; for me that highlights the importance of identifying the benefits that the environment delivers for society and placing a value on them so they are properly recognised. Some people struggle with the idea of valuing nature, but I believe we have to try to do so in order to better understand what the environment does for us all.

What does being a CEnv in the agricultural management sector mean to you?

I applied for Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status as a way of highlighting this element of my skillset, but I also believe it is vital that we bring farmers and the conservation profession closer together. Too often, different groups focus on what divides them, when it would be far more productive to build consensus around shared goals.

As farmer and author James Rebanks has said: “Every farmer should adopt an ecologist and every ecologist should adopt a farmer.”

What are the key challenges you’ve overcome in your career so far?

When I chose my career, I didn’t know any female land agents and only one female farmer, and inevitably I encountered some sexism in the early years. Thankfully, the industry has changed significantly, with women now holding high-profile roles across agriculture, surveying and environmental management.

Professionally, I have always been interested in negotiating solutions to complex problems, although my natural optimism has been tested at times, particularly when working on large-scale infrastructure projects. Large hierarchical organisations do not always deal easily with individuals, but good communication and treating others with professionalism and courtesy remain essential.

Do you have any words of advice for those considering becoming a CEnv via SocAg?

I would strongly encourage others to pursue it as a valuable step in building their knowledge and expertise. Farmers are at the forefront of delivering solutions to the twin climate and biodiversity crises, and we need more farm managers and land managers to develop their skills in environmental land management and have that expertise recognised and rewarded. Farmers are excellent at peer-to-peer learning, so it is vital that we have leaders who can share knowledge and experience across the sector.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Firstly, I hope that in five years’ time Tellus Natural Capital continues to be commercially successful, as that will only happen if we are genuinely helping our clients find ways of working that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

Secondly, I hope that the natural capital markets currently emerging will have matured, enabling me to advise farmers and landowners on a wide range of opportunities where nature restoration and sustainable food production are properly recognised and fairly

rewarded.

Finally, I hope to be playing a role in facilitating better understanding between the conservation profession and the farming industry, helping bring all parties together to address the significant challenges we face.

Contact
📧 kate@tellusnatcap.com
🌐 www.tellusnatcap.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Tellus Natural Capital Ltd

Dr Johnny Wake DL FRASE ARAgS is the Managing Partner of Courteenhall Estate in South Northamptonshire.

How does Society membership help you in your current role?

My day job is running our family’s diversified agricultural business at Courteenhall. We are mixed farmers operating a regenerative farming system alongside a large Higher Tier stewardship programme. In addition, we do various types of renewable energy, (most heavily heap pumps and rooftop PV), manage commercial and residential property, and are involved in a number of external agricultural ventures.

Alongside this, I hold several external roles, including chairing the Central England region of the Environmental Farmers Group, being a trustee of LEAF, an ambassador for Wildlife Farms & Estates England, acting as a Deputy Lieutenant for Northamptonshire, chairing two local charities and serving as patron of another.

The Society put me through its Leadership Development Programme, and this has been a gift that keeps on giving. It continues to open doors and provides a constant flow of ideas, insight and expertise. I also find the annual conference particularly valuable for generating new ideas and for meeting interesting and useful people. Finally, the regular information circulated by the Society often contains real gems of practical usefulness.

Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years’ time?

I see myself being less operational in my day-to-day role in the business and spending more time involved in external roles and wider industry activity.

How do you get involved with SocAg and how does it benefit you?

Two people within the industry strongly encouraged me to take part in the SocAg

Leadership Development Programme in 2018, which led directly to my membership and wider involvement. I regularly attend the National Farm Management Conference, and my membership continues to benefit me by providing a steady stream of ideas, stimulation and valuable professional contacts.

What would you say to any young person considering joining SocAg?

Do it. It will open up opportunities that you may not even have considered. It certainly did for me.

SSAg PhD Researcher, Rothamsted

How does SocAg membership help you in your current role?

I am currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Bristol, UK. My academic journey has provided me with a solid foundation in agricultural science and research. SocAg supports my career by offering continuous professional development through workshops, seminars, and access to the latest industry research, keeping me updated with advancements in agricultural management

SocAg membership significantly enhances my effectiveness as a PhD researcher at Rothamsted Research, UK, by providing continuous professional development through workshops and seminars, and access to the latest industry research and publications. The networking opportunities allow me to connect with industry leaders and peers, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices.

Additionally, the support from a network of experts and access to job listings and career resources further aid in my professional growth and career advancement. Overall, SocAg membership equips me with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to excel in agricultural management.

Where do you see yourself being in 5–10 years’ time?

In 5–10 years, I envision myself as a leading researcher in agricultural science, making significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and food security. Building on my PhD research at Rothamsted, I aim to secure a postdoctoral position where I can deepen my expertise and expand my research portfolio.

I aspire to collaborate with international research institutions and industry partners, translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions for global agricultural challenges. Ultimately, I see myself in a senior research or academic position, mentoring the next generation of scientists and driving innovations that promote sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.

How do you get involved with SocAg and how does it benefit you?

I joined SocAg in 2023 (previously IAgrM.) By attending workshops, seminars, and conferences, I can stay updated on industry trends and connect with other professionals. Volunteering for committees and contributing to SocAg publications allows me to actively participate and share my expertise.

The benefits are substantial, including continuous professional development, enhanced networking opportunities, access to the latest research and industry information, and valuable career resources. Additionally, SocAg membership provides a platform for advocacy, skill enhancement, and professional recognition, all of which are crucial for advancing my career in agricultural management.

What would you say to any young person considering joining SocAg?

Joining SocAg is an excellent decision for any young person aspiring to build a successful career in agricultural management. SocAg offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your professional growth. You’ll have access to continuous learning opportunities through workshops, seminars, and conferences, keeping you updated with the latest advancements in the field.

The networking opportunities are invaluable, allowing you to connect with industry leaders, researchers, and peers, fostering collaborations that can open doors to new career opportunities. Overall, SocAg membership equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to excel in the industry.