Farmers Guardian Careers Special 29th April 2022

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CAREERS

Edited by Emily Ashworth emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com 01772 799 473 In association with

SPECIAL

The world of agricultural careers is dynamic, interesting and open to all. In this special feature, we explore the diverse roles our sector has to offer.

L

ike many other industries, agriculture has adapted to multiple changes over the years.

And while we embrace those changes, our sector is unique in some ways, especially as traditional careers are still vital to keeping the cogs of the farming world turning.

In this careers supplement, Farmers Guardian explores how agriculture continues to welcome those from all walks of life, offering

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Farming offers students a career

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A bright future

varied and diverse roles for all, while also looking at how some of farming’s core jobs are being brought to the masses via, for example, social media and taken

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Hoof trimming to the masses

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Diversity key in vet roles

on by those from non-farming backgrounds.

And in a digital age, it is also easier to get a glimpse into life in the agricultural world.

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Young farmer’s scholarship

What is clear is that farming has much to give.

Our industry combines the old and the new and has a vast array of opportunities for all.

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Becoming an agronomist

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Five jobs you may not think of in ag

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CAREERS

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Agriculture can help those young people who are most at risk reach their potential. Hannah Binns explores how Future Roots offers a unique learning environment for children not coping in a mainstream school setting.

Helping young people most at risk reach their potential

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arming is the greatest untapped education, health and social care service, according to Julie Plumley, founder and owner of Future Roots.

Based at Rylands Farm in Dorset, Future Roots is a social enterprise which has supported children for more than a decade.

It aims to provide stability and direction through tough times for young people and their families.

“Thirteen years ago, I saw the potential of the farming environment for helping young people who were not coping in a mainstream school environment,” said Ms Plumley, who grew up on a farm before becoming a registered social worker.

“Since we opened our gates in 2008, we have seen more than 1,000 youngsters from eight years old up to 18.

“The young people here are not the issue, it is society’s inability to cope with their particular needs.”

She added young people were not referred to Future Roots because they were ‘naughty’ but because they needed a safe and secure learning environment where they felt they could achieve and reach their potential.

“We believe there are always

I saw the potential of the farming environment for helping young people who were not coping in a mainstream school environment JULIE PLUMLEY reasons for behaviours - not excuses and that there is always a solution,” she said.

“Three-quarters of young people who come to the farm are boys in their early teens and have been referred by their school or local authority.”

The freedom farming can give to young people is also accredited to Future Roots’ success.

“There is an open space and they are not confined to a classroom,” Ms Plumley said.

“Young people also have that feeling of being valued because they

are always doing something useful, from cleaning out cows and bottle feeding lambs to fixing a fence.

“Everything is focused on learning by experience.

“By learning how to care for animals, the young people learn how to form relationships and build trust, which has a knock-on effect with their human relationships too.

“Young people respond to being needed, wanted and valued.”

She highlighted Jordan, now 19, who went from struggling in mainstream school and making negative decisions to securing a full-time job at a local dairy farm.

“He worked really hard at Future Roots, completing functional skills in English and Maths as well as a practical level one in land-based operations and his MO1 tractor test.

“He also completed an apprenticeship in partnership with Future Roots and Kingston Maurward College.

“He is now not only a hard-working reliable employee, but a thoughtful and responsible individual.

“His road may not always be straight in the future but we know he has the strengths to get back on track.”

Young people can attend Future Roots for three days a week,

up to a maximum of 15 hours a week.

The first six weeks involves an assessment by the team which will concentrate on the pupil’s strength and work to create a feeling of safety and belong for the child.

Opportunity “These services, together with the opportunity to study functional skills, level 1 and 11 in Maths and English and take a City and Guilds in land-based operations means youngsters often leave Future Roots ready for more education or work,” Ms Plumley said.

A 13-week short break course, designed to complement educational needs and showcase opportunities within the farming sector, is also run in conjunction with local schools.

“What Future Roots offers, combined with experienced mentoring which encourages positive, consistent and meaningful relationships, forms long-lasting change to attitudes, behaviours and outcomes for a young person,” she added.

“I believe farming is the greatest untapped education, health and social care service.

“It enables young people to become work ready.

“It gets them into life.”

WORKING WITH ANIMALS INSTILLED ME WITH CONFIDENCE BATTLING with anxiety meant Lisa, now 18, from Gillingham, Kent, never wanted to attend secondary school, but a chance to go to a farm every Wednesday in exchange for attending school helped boost her confidence.

She said: “I was only meant to go to the farm for six weeks, but I ended up staying for almost five years and still have not left.”

With help from the farm, she decided to go to Kingston Maurward College to study level two agriculture, something she never thought she would voluntarily do.

“With my course you have to do

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one day of work experience at a farm each week and Rylands Farm has been so good at helping me with any work I am struggling with, from GCSE to college,” she said.

Motivation “At the start I had no motivation and felt like I would not amount to much, but I am now [also] working as a apprentice dairy farmer and calf rearer at a nearby farm.

“I am really enjoying working there and the opportunity to gain experience in what I would love to continue doing and this would not have been possible without Julie and the college.”

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Q A

Are you from a farming background?

Yes, my dad grew up working on his uncle’s dairy farm. He then managed different farms alongside my mum up in Scotland, Yorkshire and Cheshire, before moving back to Manchester as farms were selling up.

I was only two years old at the time, so have spent most of my life growing up in a semi-urban area. They then decided to go into relief milking, which is how my interest in farming started.

Q A

How did you become interested in hoof trimming?

It started a couple of years after my parents decided to venture into the hoof trimming world. I used to go with them and help out and found it so fascinating and interesting.

I did not realise how important it was for cows to get their feet done.

It gripped me. The more I went, the more I was getting involved. But it was not my first career choice.

I considered joining the police and joined the special constabulary for Greater Manchester Police to get a feel for the job.

I realised, however, it was not for me and did not pursue it further as my farming interest was stronger.

Ten years later I am still working with my dad as part of a great fatherdaughter team and I would not change it for the world.

Q A

What do you like about your job?

I love everything about the job.

From the prevention to the curative side of trimming, it is all extremely satisfying.

It is a nice feeling knowing you are playing an important part in the animal welfare side of farming.

We like working as a team with the farmers, vets and nutritionists, making the best decisions for the cows.

Handling cattle can be a bit dangerous and stressful at times, but working as a team helps minimise this.

It is a very male-dominated line of work and seeing a woman doing well in a job like this is great to see SOPHIE MITCHELL-SMITH 52

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Sophie Mitchell-Smith n Age: 30 n Career: Hoof trimmer n Instagram: 12,200 followers

Working as a hoof trimmer, Sophie Mitchell-Smith has made a name for herself on social media with more than 12,000 followers.

She tells Farmers Guardian about her role within the community.

Making a name as a hoof trimmer Don’t get me wrong, you can get days which feel mentally and physically hard, as with any job, but then you see results of your work and it makes it all worth it.

Q A

What are the key skills you need?

Of course, your actual trimming has to be to a top standard, as well as knowing how to use a knife and grinder adequately. But I think knowledge of the job and of farming is incredibly important.

It is all about making the right decisions for the cows and not all cows live in the same environments and systems. When I first started trimming, I was at a disadvantage as I did not have much farming knowledge, but I was lucky enough to have my dad’s experience to teach me along the way, as well as attending the right courses to teach you the theory and practical side of trimming.

I attended a four-day hoof trimming course with Embryonics, taught

by Pieter Kloosterman, and later passed my Dutch diploma to give me category one status.

We also attend biennial check days, but you are always learning on the job.

Confidence is key as well. I was

guilty of being quite a shy person and would hide behind my dad, but I forced myself to speak more and my confidence grew with it. I also had the confidence to then become a committee member of The National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers.

Q

Your Instagram account, The Female Hoof Trimmer, showcases your job and you have more than 12,000 followers. Why do you think it is so popular?

It was during lockdown when I decided to get on social media.

I think trimming is quite satisfying to watch and interesting to learn about, so it grabbed people’s attention.

People like learning about unusual things and to people who are not in farming this is unusual. But I also think being a woman in this kind of job appealed to people. It is a very male-dominated line of work and seeing a woman doing well in a job like this is great to see.

A

Q A

Do you think there are more opportunities than people think within the farming industry?

Yes, and I think social media plays a role in this. I come across lots of people on Instagram

showcasing what they do within farming that I did not know existed.

People are coming across accounts, seeing their content and thinking ‘wow, I could do something like that’.

Thirty years ago, people would not have the advantage of seeing it as easily as they do today. But as the years have gone on, farming has advanced with technology and more opportunities are there for people.

Q A

Do you think there are more women seeing agriculture as a career option?

I was really surprised when I saw how many women were so involved in farming. Women who were born into farming; women who changed their careers to start in farming. Women are seeing other women succeeding in the farming industry and thinking ‘yes, I could do this’. More women are also getting involved in hoof trimming and I get messages asking about it.

It is nice to know you are inspiring them in some way.

My mum massively inspired me, as she was probably one of the first few in the country to do it commercially.

When I used to watch her, I used to think that if she can do it, then so can I. JobsInAgriculture.com

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At Brooksby Campus, in the heart of Leicestershire, you’ll find a team who’ve turned their passion into a teaching career. They’ve spent years out in the field and are now helping to shape the minds of future farmers and land-based engineers.

For those looking ahead to the future, a move to the education sector could be the perfect choice.

‘Get into teaching’ has been banded around by the Department of Education for years, but as a professional in the Agriculture sector, what would that actually look like for you?

To ensure the future of our industry, we need experienced people like you to use the skills you’ve learnt throughout your career, to educate the next generation. We support students now, so they can take care of our country in years to come.

As well as being hugely rewarding, teachers at SMB College Group receive excellent benefits: • • • •

40 days paid annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays A fantastic pension Enhanced paternity cover Achieve a professional teaching qualification

When you’re ready to move away from your physically demanding role, a career in teaching could be the perfect next step.

We’re welcoming enquiries from anyone in the industry. Whatever your experience, whatever your background, if you’d like to find out more about a career in education, get in touch.

Contact James Fryer, our Director of Agriculture and Farm at marketing@smbgroup.ac.uk, or by calling 01664 850 850.

Teaching doesn’t need to be daunting. You don’t need experience to get started. It’s a lot like the agricultural industry in many ways – both are about nurturing, growth and passion.

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CAREERS

By Hannah Binns

U

nnecessary remarks about someone’s gender or ethnicity can immediately put veterinarians on the back foot and impact their performance and mental well-being.

That was the message from Claire Whittle, a farm veterinary surgeon at LLM’s Whitchurch branch, Shropshire, who decided to pursue a career in the sector during her mid-20s.

“At school I did not know what I wanted to do, so I completed six weeks of French and Spanish at university before dropping out and working in various bars and restaurants around Liverpool,” she said.

“I decided at 23 to get into veterinary school and completed a one-year access course in medical science, a condensed form of biology, chemistry and physics, at Birkenhead College on the Wirral.

“I then went to Liverpool University’s vet school with the intention of being a small animal vet, but this changed to farm animals after doing extra mural studies

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Gender and ethnicity comments set vets back [placements] as part of the first year.

“I remember I bedded up the cows with hay instead of straw, but the university dairy farmer John Cameron took the time to explain to me the difference between the two and I ended up milking there at nights and weekends.

“Giving me that extra level of attention and time not only benefited me, but also benefited him too.”

Ms Whittle said university was relatively inclusive, although it felt weird being among super excited 18-year-olds as a ‘mature’ student.

“First year may have gone better if I had done A-levels in sciences, it felt like quite a jump,” she said.

“I had some interesting work experiences where people have asked where I am really from, which puts you on a back foot.

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Claire Whittle

“I have also had quite a few comments about being a woman, with farmers telling me I am not strong enough for the job or will need a man to help me.

“As a veterinary student or new graduate, going onto a farm as a woman, it feels like you are being judged immediately so you are already starting from ‘not a good enough’ place.

“That is a horrible feeling to start with. Then if you do a bad job some farmers will associate that with your gender rather than it just being a terrible situation.”

After graduating in 2016, Ms Whittle worked at a practice in Dorset which she said was really supportive.

“A lot of new graduates do not get that good support base,” she said. “It is a very big change from university as you are going from a big peer group to smaller practices often in the middle of nowhere.”

Having worked for LLM for five years, she said the team spirit and support makes it what it is.

“They will not stand for any nonsense,” she said.

“If a farmer rings up asking for a male vet and I am the only available vet in the nearby area, then they say I will attend.

“In fact, the practice may be female heavy, switching that gender bias.”

She added, as vet school is predominantly female, the industry needs to start making itself more

attractive, otherwise it could struggle to recruit new entrants.

“Some of the biggest barriers are even getting into vet school in the first place,” she said.

“It relies on top grades, which are important, but communication skills are also key.

“It is a career not given to most as an option unless they are getting top tier results and we need to be more open to taking on students as vets and having conversations.”

Funding Funding was another barrier, with those pursuing a veterinary career racking up a £45,000 in debt by the time they graduate.

“This can exclude a lot of ethnic minorities who are often from lower income backgrounds,” she said.

For Ms Whittle, the best thing about her job is the sense of community.

“You do not get that in other sectors,” she said.

“Everyone knows everyone and you build relationships with the farmers and get to know their families and their business.

“That said, we need to do more in terms of reconnecting urban and rural communities, especially as we have an ongoing labour shortage in agriculture.

“If we believe the only people who can do the job are those who have done it before, then the industry will not last long and that is something everyone should bear in mind.”

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CAREERS

Young farmer awarded scholarship

D

espite not coming from a farming background, this year’s recipient of the Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) scholarship has been awarded to young Welsh farmer, Charlie Cooper-Harding. It will allow him to travel to South America where he hopes to learn more about beef finishing systems.

He has a keen interest in agriculture sparked by his past experiences of working on farms and his current role as area sales specialist at Wynnstay Group, where he deals with beef, sheep and dairy farmers on a daily basis.

Charlie, 23, said: “I am delighted to have been chosen as HCC scholarship winner for 2022 and very much look forward to travelling to South America, one of the largest beef suppliers and leading users of beef on dairy semen in the world.

“I am interested to learn how they view beef farming, especially on the feed lots. Chile will certainly

be one key destination to visit as the industry there is known for rearing a large proportion of beef from forage and low input concentrates. I am keen to understand how this is done profitably.”

Investigate From a rural area of Llanfyllin, Mid Wales, Charlie plans to travel to Chile, Argentina and Uruguay during August and September when the cows will be out grazing. He will investigate the importance of rearing an efficient, sustainable and profitable beef animal from the dairy industry.

He will also focus on calves born from Jersey and New Zealand cross genetics and reared on good quality forage, which is one strong link between South American dairy beef and Welsh beef production.

“Despite a big difference in scale, there are some similarities between our systems and theirs – a focus on good quality forage production, they have a similar climate to the

UK, block calving systems are prevalent and they do not use growth hormones. I will be interested to research how farmers are rewarded for their efforts and how carcases are graded,” he said.

“I will conduct my research into efficient systems that are finishing beef on low inputs and high foragebased diets and still manage to achieve high weight gain and slaughter under 28 months.

“As an industry, I feel we need to adapt to meet price and sustainability expectations, and the dairy bull beef sector is one potential avenue to help increase the industry’s productivity. I would like to see if dairy-bred bull and beef calves can meet the eating quality and growth efficiency to increase our supply of beef.”

He is keen to encourage others from non-farming backgrounds to consider this industry as a viable career option, but feels that as a recipient of this scholarship, it is something of a reward for his commit-

Charlie Cooper-Harding

ment over the years – and that hard work is key.

He said: “I am proud to achieve the scholarship. It highlights my hard work over the past five years and proves to people from a non-agricultural background that there are opportunities in the industry.”

LIVESTOCK PEOPLE Due to phased growth within our bull stud, we are looking for a Livestock Person to join our expanding team.

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If you are interested in working with us, then please send your CV and contact details to recruitment@cogentuk.com

To view all of our current vacancies visit our careers page at cogentuk.com/careers

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An ability to be a team player is crucial for anyone wishing to be involved in trials work. Hannah Binns speaks to Scottish Agronomy’s Laura Hughes to find out more.

Key role of an agronomist

B

eing a team player is the best asset you can have in trials work, Laura Hughes, Scottish Agronomy’s potato trial manager, has said.

Having grown up on a mixed arable and livestock farm in Fife, Mrs Hughes knew she wanted be involved in agriculture as a career, opting for an animal science degree at the University of Aberdeen, with the intention of getting into livestock nutrition.

But a harvest student job at Scottish Agronomy during her third and fourth year in 2005 soon changed her mindset.

She said: “I went back after graduating in 2006 and progressed up to trials officer, then senior trials officer, and now I am the potato trials manager.

“My role is mixed, but most of the

time is spent managing the potato trials on a day-to-day basis.

“In early spring, I liaise with clients about their requirements, prepare protocols, secure sites and order seeds, then I am involved in planting trials and growing crop assessments through summer.

Days can be long and sometimes monotonous, but with a good team around you it can be fun

Harvest “The rest of the year I help harvest the trials, grading yield digs, assessing skin finish and writing reports.

“Basically, I manage the programme from start to finish, ensuring trials are carried out to the best possible standard and within all current guidelines.

“As well as this I form part of the combinable crops team and I am responsible for co-ordinating all grain sample requirements.”

LAURA HUGHES Mrs Hughes farms with husband Zander and their two children, Ailie, six, and Holly, three months, not far from where she grew up. Her husband runs an agricultural contracting business and she has a flock of 230 commercial Texel and Beltex cross ewes.

Despite having minimal knowledge of arable and having been mainly involved in the family farm’s livestock, Mrs Hughes said she had an opportunity to learn a great deal about cereals and potatoes through her career.

She said: “The best part of the job for me is having a mixed role, as no two days are the same, and I also get to be in the countryside. A nine-to-five office job was never going to be for me. We are lucky to have some of our trials in very scenic parts of Scotland.

“Seeing new products come through from very early development work to being successful in the commercial market is also rewarding, knowing that our trials have played a part in its approval and success is a great feeling.

Great buzz

ADVANCING FUTURES Nestled in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, University Centre Sparsholt is a leading provider of a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses. With over 600 animals at the Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre, over 60 horses at the Equine Centre and a working farm across our 183 hectare campus, it is certainly an exciting place to study, grow and explore on your doorstep!

“Harvest too gives me a great buzz as I get to see something I have been responsible for. My greatest highlight has been becoming potato trials manager, having worked my way up from being a student. Trial numbers have increased over the years and we now

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Team work An ability to work well in a team is key for anyone interested in this career, Mrs Hughes said.

She added: “We work as a small group where everyone plays their part. Great communication skills, flexibility and self-motivation are also required. Days can be long and sometimes monotonous, but with a good team around you it can be fun.

“My current role requires a huge amount of organisation, so it is just as well I enjoy an excel spreadsheet and several lists.

“Describing what we do within the trials team can be very difficult to explain, but if you want a job which allows you to be outside, being part of a great team while being involved in the future of agronomy decisions, then it is a great field to be in.”

Scottish Agronomy

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run a diverse set of trials for many commercial clients covering a huge range of topics and issues.”

But she added the greatest barrier facing industry was its gender bias.

She said: “Things are improving and hopefully in the future there will be an even split of females to males in agriculture. Changes in the public’s perception of British agriculture could make the future of our industry very different, and difficult, but it is one we should remain proud of.”

SCOTTISH Agronomy is an independent and farmer-owned agronomy advice service rooted in the field trials it carries out.

These include cereals, oilseeds

11/03/2022 13:42:53

and potatoes, with a few minority crops also grown. It covers a large part of Scotland, with both agronomy advice and trial plots from the Scottish Borders to Easter Ross.

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CAREERS

Helping farms work smarter

A

lthough agriculture has always been a part of Jack Sharman’s life, he spent much of his upbringing based within different cities. But, with his grandma and father pursuing careers with Massey Ferguson and then latterly AGCO after its acquisition, Jack has followed a similar suit and is now a third generational agricultural employee with the business.

When deciding which career path to choose after completing his university degree, Jack knew agriculture was the most logical decision to make.

“Agriculture is a growing industry that has competitive salaries and a large variety of roles to choose from,” he said.

“As the world’s population rises, agriculture professionals will play an increasingly important part in the world’s food supply; having such a broad global responsibility attached to my career choice was a significant draw for me.”

As an aftersales digital marketing specialist, Jack is based within the larger digital marketing team the business’ after parts division out of the UK Abbey Park offices.

Training Responsibilities are varied and include project meetings, overseeing checks on targeted vehicles and self-propelled machines, helping farmers work smarter by optimising their machines and business and focusing on various safety mechanisms.

Training is also a key part of Jack’s remit and there is always a requirement for continuous training.

“We have workshops with various experts to help develop my

skills and understanding in areas such as salesforce, data studio, Facebook business manager and so on,” he says.

“Recently, I was offered the option to acquire a professional diploma in digital marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, which is a fantastic opportunity to improve my performance in my role.”

With professional development so prominent, Jack is keen to dispel some of the biggest misconceptions about farming to those from a non-farming background.

“One of the most widespread agricultural misconceptions is that today’s farmers live in the past.

“Individuals consider agriculture to be archaic, primitive, and slow, when in truth, it is the reverse. Agriculture is a crucial hub for technological advancements and a very fast-paced industry and I wish I had known that sooner.”

Jack Sharman

Favourite parts of the job ■ Work life balance: “I love that I have a great degree of control and freedom within my job. I work full-time currently on a hybrid working system, spending time both in and out-ofoffice, and my management trusts me to produce high-quality work and results no matter where I am located from.”

■ Challenge: “My manager is supportive but not afraid to give you responsibility and is comfortable pushing me to take on projects that I

thought were far beyond my abilities for both my age and knowledge. This has allowed me to develop my skills and character in a much shorter period of time. Which will benefit my career in the long-term.”

■ Variety: “Because digital marketing is a constantly evolving field, each working day is unique, with new challenges and problems to tackle. This variety keeps me interested and looking forward to my days at work.”

Technology Looking to the future and Jack has multiple ambitions he wants to achieve within the next five years, including plans to become a chartered marketer, seeking senior management mentoring to gain leadership experience, and expanding international knowledge by relocating to offices in Europe or North America.

“The future of agriculture lies very much with its smart technology and we frequently promote them to our dealer network. As a result, we get to observe first-hand the benefits they provide to the farmers which result in more profitable, efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly practises for farmers and their business partners.”

MAJOR FINANCIAL BOOST TO AG APPRENTICESHIPS AGCO has partnered with SRUC Barony and Riseholme College to offer new agricultural engineering apprenticeships, thanks to a significant investment made by the manufacturing business.

The further educational programme will offer individuals the chance to pursue a career with AGCO

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full-time while studying towards a City and Guilds diploma at the Scotland and Lincolnshire venues.

The two new partners now takes the number of AGCO learning centres to four, which also covers WCG Moreton Morrell in Warwickshire and Coleg Cambria Llysfasi in Wales.

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CAREERS

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When you mention farming, many think of grassroots careers, but there are many more interesting and diverse careers in this thriving and vibrant sector.

1

Ice cream taster: Is this not everyone’s dream job? Hannah Beattie, 25, landed this tasty role as a new product development co-ordinator at Mackie’s of Scotland, putting her taste buds to the test to develop new ice cream flavours. It is all about creativity, innovative new ideas and, of course, ice cream.

As well as the practical development of new products, technical and analytical elements of the job are crucial for ensuring products which hit supermarket shelves and freezers have the best chance of becoming long-term favourites.

If you have the latest scoop and flavour ideas you think would be popular, then this is the job for you.

2

Agricultural lawyer: Do you like telling people key information so they understand what they can do?

Agricultural law, of course, deals with the traditional areas of farming, such as business and dealing with disputes and buying or selling farmland.

But they also ensure farmers

Five jobs you may not know existed in ag

understand their rights. At present, there are opportunities for farmers with the new environmental laws and these need to be communicated clearly. It is about building a strong relationship between yourself and farmers.

3

Video game designer: Instead of playing video games every night, why not come up with and design the next popular game, like Farming Simulator? You could create a whole concept or you could even create a virtual reality game people could play and pretend to be farmers.

The UK’s video game market was worth £5.3 billion in 2020 and with

the advancements in technology, innovative and ‘out of the box’ ideas will be key to attract a new generation of gamers.

4

Fashion designer: Fast fashion is out – buying for life and buying sustainably is in. And that is where farming could play a huge part.

Take Yan Tan Revolution, for example, a sustainable knitwear brand which uses British wool, and asks the all-important question – why does the British fashion industry import so much wool when it is readily available in this country?

Yan Tan Revolution wanted to offer a responsible approach to fashion and has created biodegradable knitwear.

If you love fashion and enjoy textiles, you could build a career on what you think the general public should be

wearing and perhaps be fashion’s next big designer to watch.

5

Rural police: A relatively new unit to the police is the Rural Task Force, which patrols the UK’s rural communities. Rural crime ranges from stolen machinery to wildlife offences and a typical day is varied.

As a rural officer, you could be visiting farms to check their machinery is safe and that the necessary security is in place or be stopping vehicles on the road to check the machinery in tow is not stolen and informing farmers you are there if they need you.

It is vital to build a good rapport with the community. The South Lancashire Rural Task Force has recovered more than £1.1 million of stolen machinery in the last year, winning it a recent award.

There are many interesting and diverse careers in the agriculture sector.

OUR TEAM Dunbia is hiring for unskilled roles at our sites throughout the UK We are recruiting Factory Operatives working across the business: » Abattoir » Boning Hall » Retail Packing » Warehouse

FULL TRAINING GIVEN Excellent career progression opportunities Variety of shift patterns available

APPLY ONLINE TODAY dunbia.com/careers

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Online courses AS agriculture becomes increasingly tech savvy and farm workers are keen to upskill, here are some online course providers which could help your farm business: ■ lowe-maintenance.co.uk

■ lantra.co.uk ■ farmiq.co.uk ■ acsedu.co.uk ■ artistraining.com/e-learning ■ businesswales.gov.wales/ farmingconnect

JobsInAgriculture.com

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Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

Helping farmers to feed the UK in a more sustainable way

Some of the benefits…

9 9 9 9 9

Competitive Salaries Profit Related Pay Share Schemes Training, Development & Leadership Programmes Employee Discount Scheme

Company Vehicle, Health Insurance and Bonus Scheme also available for selected roles

Current Opportunities Available

For a confidential discussion regarding these roles please contact:

Regional Sales Specialists Oxfordshire / Wiltshire / South Hampshire & Dorset Dairy Technical Specialists South & West Wales Agronomist Midlands & Welsh Borders Farm Trader Stokesley (North Yorkshire) Telesales Representatives Shrewsbury (Shropshire) Personnel & Administration Roles Llansantffraid (Powys) HGV Drivers & Fitters Llansantffraid (Powys) & Carmarthen (Carmarthenshire)

“

“Working in an expanding and diverse business means there are always opportunities for progression” Eimear Diamond, Regional Sales Manager Midlands & Youngstock Teams

Tom Jarvis, Regional Sales Manager

07787 444308

Simon Pope, Crop Protection Manager

07990 578545

David Howard, Head of Dairy

Nigel Britland, National Arable Sales Manager Daniel Vincent, Sales Desk Team Leader

Jane Riley, Personnel Development Manager

FARMERS GUARDIAN RECRUITMENT ADVERT 200x270mm - APR 22_V2.indd 1

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07984 248473 07500 989642 07469 855030

Andy Evans, National Distribution Manager - Bulk 07880 555651

“I work in an environment that is continually developing my knowledge, in a business with a clear vision and growth plan.”

David Howard, Head of Dairy

Find our latest vacancies at wynnstayplc.co.uk/careers/ careers@wynnstay.co.uk

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07736 343629

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JobsInAgriculture Brought to you by

Lely are recruiting for Service Technicians.

Could you be the one?

Sales Manager ICL Ag Specialties UK and Ireland (remote) We are searching for a sales manager who will maximize the growth of ICL Specialty Fertiliser products in the UK Ag segment.

ICL is a global leader in plant nutrition. Everything we do is focused on one aim: making plants, crops and grass grow better. We make this possible by offering a range of specialty products that includes innovative technologies such as controlled release fertilizers, water solubles and liquids for fertigation and foliar application and specialties like water conservation agents, surfactants and adjuvants.

Key responsibilities and experience: Manage and grow sales of new and existing ICL Specialties Ag products.

Develop our partner and distribution network.

Establish relations with key growers and advise on optimal nutrition programmes.

Work with Marketing and Agronomy on specific market/crop related projects.

Proven commercial working and leadership success.

If you are interested in being part of the Lely team, please phone +44 (0)1223 928390 or email your CV along with your covering letter to atlantic@lely.com

BSc in Agriculture or Horticulture, or equivalent by education or experience.

Candidates need to have an agricultural background, with cow knowledge.

Location:

www.lely.com/gb

Results driven with good analytic, organisational and communication skills.

MS-Office confident and full clean driving licence required.

Working from home office + ICL offices and facilities in the UK.

To apply: Please email your CV and covering letter to: mark.ellison@icl-group.com Closing date: 20th May 2022

Do you want to develop your skills in an international environment?

The International Egg Commission is a global membership organisation representing the egg industry. We have an exciting new opportunity for a high performing and enthusiastic individual looking for a rewarding career delivering operational excellence and supporting the development of the global egg industry.

INSTALLATION ENGINEER

Business Manager, full-time, Shropshire Working closely with the CEO, you will be part of a small but dynamic team who are responsible for the delivery of a wide range of industry programmes and international events, that build the reputation of both the egg and the egg industry.

The successful candidate will get the chance to work in a fastpaced international environment, working directly with leading entrepreneurs to address some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the global egg industry.

Closing date: 10 May 2022 If you are looking for a new role where you can see your work having a real impact, please visit:

www.internationalegg.com/careers

SEND YOUR CV TO : w w w . s t o r t h m a c h i n e r y . c o . u k

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Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

JobsInAgriculture Brought to you by

Experienced Shepherd Looking For Work Due to redundancy an experience shepherd with over 25 years experience is looking for work, comes with own dog. Preferred locations would be around the Yorkshire/ Northumberland/ Scottish Border area.

TERRITORY MANAGER - UK NORTH WEST

Tel: 07584 290135

Major growth in the UK market has led to an immediate vacancy for a Territory Manager in the North West of the UK. The core element of this job is to secure heavy equipment consignments and fill the auction yard ahead of each sale date. Working to targets, you will grow your territory through your superior business development skills and maximise consignments using your already established network of contacts in the industry.

While your primary role is to feed the sales site, all TMs can consign equipment to any Euro Auctions sale site around the world, therefore maximising their earning potential.

Unlike our competitors, Euro Auctions TMs are not confined to their territory your territory is anywhere you have potential customers!

For the right candidate Euro Auctions offer an attractive package including: • Uncapped, performance based bonus • Company car, laptop, smart phone and expense account • Ongoing training and professional development • Comprehensive bid catcher training

Reaching deeper and further into UK farming than any other media group

If you think you have what it takes to make it at Euro Auctions, please email a CV to careers@euroauctions.com

Assistant Livestock Manager Aldbourne Chase Estate, Marlborough, Wiltshire

BLUE TEXEL

SHEEP SOCIETY

Marketing and Promotions Officer EWE & LAMB SALE DATES 2022 Due to a significant increase in membership, applications are invited to assist with the marketing and promotion of the Blue Texel Sheep Society (BTSS).

The society is seeking to employ a company/individual to manage the marketing and promotion of the breed to meet its growing demands.

The society would wish strengthen its presence, particularly to the commercial sheep sector through a number of mediums to include: • • • • • • •

Society Newsletters and publication Social Media Direct mail Editorials Advertising Photography/video Attendance at Shows & Events

Applications/proposals are invited along with details of experience in this field. It is essential that candidates have a good knowledge in agriculture, and previous experience in pedigree livestock would be SECRETARY - CHERALYN HENDERSON preferable.

Cragg House Farm, Out Lane, E: hello@blue-texel-sheep.com Applications are to be submitted by the 9th May 2022 toT: 01995 61368 Chipping, Preston, Dave Thompson | Tel: 07551 005531 | Email: dave@bwfeeds.com Lancashire PR3 2NQ M: 07887 742915 Bussey Stool Farm House, Tarrant Gunville, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8JS

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An experienced, enthusiastic stockperson is required for a 170 cow pedigree and commercial beef suckler herd with finishing enterprise. Modern purpose built cattle housing and handling systems with TMR feeding.

An excellent opportunity for a well-motivated, dedicated individual to work alongside the farm manager and be fully involved with all aspects of herd management and day-to-day livestock husbandry.

Duties to include daily stock checks, feeding, bedding and seasonal calving together with an active involvement in replacement and pedigree policies, herd health and nutrition. Some machinery operations including hedge cutting together with general maintenance and fencing. A flexible approach to working during busy periods is essential.

Interest in pedigree cattle and showing with experience in recording animal performance data, foot trimming and AI would be an advantage. ATV, spraying and telehandler certification is preferred, where necessary training can be provided.

Attractive remuneration package together with modernised 3-bedroom house on site and close to local amenities, schools etc. apply in writing to David Armstrong, davidarmstrong1@btconnect.com.

Over 90% Commercial Lambs Born White Please Telephone: 07786 543381

The Terminal Sire Which Ticks ALL The Boxes



  Both Maternal & Terminal Sire Producers Exceptional Carcase Quality   Shepherd Excellent Growth Just From Grass   Experienced sheep farmer sought to run a sheep farm with a flock of Easy Lambing   900 ewes plus shearlings, lambs and tups on the Isle of Man due to the Superb Maternal Ability   retirement of the current farmer.

The flock is mainly Llyens with a small flock of pedigree Hampshires and a small flock of Manx Loaghtans. We mainly  Longevity  lamb outdoors in April with most lambs going to the Isle of Man Abattoir.

Hardiness   TheEasy farm is part of a 1000 acre holding which includes a dairy and a beef Care  

farm. The applicant must have a proven track record and be self-motivated.

The position comes with a 4 bedroom house and competitive salary plus 30 days holiday a year.

www.blue-texel-sheep.com

Please send application to Karen.Lace@andreasman.co.uk April 29, 2022 |

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JobsInAgriculture Brought to you by

Field Trials Manager

Farming Advisor About the opportunity We are looking for a farming advisor (employed and part time contracted roles are available) who is passionate about making a more sustainable farming future a reality. There will be training available to ensure you’re ready to lead in this field. You will be part of the dynamic Farming and Land Use team developing agroecological farming practice and working on cutting edge technology to assist farmers in transitioning their farms to address the climate and nature challenges we face. The Farming and Land Use Team within the Soil Association delivers a significant portfolio of programmatic work in pursuit of our strategy to support a transition to agroecological farming practices and organic farming systems across the UK alongside providing agricultural expertise to all parts of the organisation. Key programmes you will be involved with include Innovative Farmers programme, EU programmes and Soil Association Exchange programme.

About you We are looking for a business minded individual and skilled farm advisor with at least two years’ experience in the sector. We would love it if you already had experience of farm environmental advice and organic farming, but full training will be provided. You will be educated to degree level in a relevant topic, have practical experience of agriculture and an excellent understanding of the commercial realities of the food and farming sector. You will have experience of planning and delivering workshops and meetings with excellent presentation skills (oral and written). You will have excellent time management and organisational skills with high level IT skills. You will provide advice on agroecological farming approaches to farmers, growers, policy makers, government and other teams within the Soil Association, alongside delivery of projects and consultancy.

Our Benefits We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including: • 27 days annual holiday plus bank holidays increasing to 30 days with length of service • Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution • Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce • Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives • Family friendly policies and flexible working • Cycle to work scheme • Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce

Hours

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Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ Salary – Commensurate with skills and experience The vacancy will initially be for 3-year fixed period An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the farm team at Rothamsted Research. Due to an internal promotion, we are looking to appoint a Field Trials Manager; a unique opportunity to work alongside scientists on classical trials running from 1843 to cutting edge research ahead of its time.

Becoming an integral member of the farm management team we are looking for someone with passion and flair for this role. Prior trials experience is mandatory.

You will be precise with your application methods and record keeping whilst bringing an open mind and an array of fresh ideas, whilst having a practical mindset that will allow you to support your team in this fast paced environment.

The role will incorporate both agricultural and horticultural field trials relating to crop protection, Agrochemicals and crop varieties.

Position Requirements: • Prior field trials experience, preferably 2 years minimum.

• Good communication and organisational skills.

• Accustomed to report writing and data inputting.

• Understand protocol requirements.

• Practical experience of modern trial machinery • lexible work ethic.

• Full driving license.

We can offer: • A competitive salary is on offer commensurate with experience • 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and Director ‘closedown’ days and option to purchase additional annual leave days each year.

• Generous company pension scheme Closing date: 30 April 2022, with interview to follow shortly after.

For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com

HERDSPERSON We are looking for an experienced Herdsperson to join the team at a modern dairy farm. Milking is in a DeLaval rotary parlour.

The cattle are grazed during the summer but are also buffer fed when required and winter cubicle housed.

The appointed person will need to be milking twice per day, maintaining animal health and welfare to a high standard, ensuring the cows are properly fed and records are completed within the required timescales.

37.5 per week 6 month fixed term contract with potential to be made permanent

This position comes with a competitive package including a recently refurbished house or flat just off farm.

For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com

For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com

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