Growing up on our family farm in North Yorkshire, I developed a passion for agriculture from a young age. I am currently studying Agriculture with Farm Business Management (with Placement Year) at Newcastle University, having previously studied Level 3 Agriculture at Askham Bryan College.  I am passionate about lifelong learning and continually taking up new opportunities to expand my knowledge. This has led me to undertake at placement year at The Lakes Free Range Egg Company as part of the McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Programme, volunteering in Fiji, working as a Research Interviewer on the Hort2theFuture project, and soon travelling to Ghana with NFYFC Travel. As a Society of Agriculture Ambassador, I am passionate about advocating for lifelong learning and collaborating with the incredible workforce we have that is driving our industry forward.

Where did your interest in agriculture begin?

Growing up on our family’s tenanted dairy, beef and sheep farm in North Yorkshire, my passion for Agriculture started from a young age. From helping milk the cows before school to eventually getting involved in the day-to-day management of the farm, I love the variety that farming brings as we work with the seasons.

What opportunities or experiences have helped shape your journey so far?

Despite only being at the beginning of my career in agriculture, I have constantly pushed myself to expand my industry knowledge. With a desire to gain as much hands-on experience as possible, over the years I have worked on multiple dairy, beef and sheep farms to gain a broader understanding of the livestock production sector. I have also worked as a Research Interviewer on the Hort2theFuture Project and volunteered in Fiji on Think Pacific’s Youth Empowerment Project.

Keen to learn more beyond my degree studies, I have completed a placement year with The Lakes Free Range Egg Company through the McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Programme 2025/26. I am so proud of how I have embraced learning about a totally new area of agriculture for me- the laying hen sector. It has proven to me that taking chances and stepping out of your comfort zone really pays off. I look forward to taking my diverse range of experience into the next stage of my career.

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

Having gained a variety of experience across the sector, I am now confident that my future lies firmly within agriculture. In 5 to 10 years’ time, I want to be continuing to develop my knowledge and skills as I work to support farmers as they transition towards a sustainable and resilient agriculture industry. I hope to have taken my global insights from my travels and my experience further down the supply chain to help drive meaningful change.

Why did you want to become involved with the Society of Agriculture?

I have always enjoyed taking up new opportunities to expand my knowledge in agriculture. The Society of Agriculture provides access to career-long development opportunities through learning pathways, conferences and a collaborative network of like-minded members. I wanted to join the society to be a part of this collaborative and supportive network as a begin my career. I am proud to be involved in a society that also reflects my personal ambition to advocate for career long development in agriculture.

What would you say to other young people considering a career in agriculture or joining the Society of Agriculture?

Find and take up as many new learning opportunities as possible to expand your knowledge! Everything you get involved in and every person you talk to will open your eyes to the exciting future in agriculture and the career options available to you. Agriculture is a sector full of progression and opportunities. No matter how many years of experience someone has, everyone is continually learning every day. Put yourself out there, reach out to people and get involved! Make sure you join the Society of Agriculture. The Society is perfect for collaborating with others and expanding knowledge and skills. From weekly news to conferences, development programmes to farm walks, the opportunities to get involved in are endless.