The Ultimate Guide to Nuffield Farming

The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is a charity organisation whose aim is to bring positive change in the food, farming, horticulture and rural industries through the development of its future leaders. Our life-changing Scholarships unlock individual potential through study and overseas travel, as well as develop the farming and agricultural industries through the sharing of ideas.

Our first Scholarship was awarded in 1947, supported by the notable industrialist and philanthropist Lord Nuffield, who believed that a good and plentiful food supply was a

prerequisite to promote the nation’s health. Since then, we have awarded Scholarships to over 1,000 individuals in the UK to study a topic they are passionate about.

The knowledge I gained from my Scholarship allowed me and my wife to achieve our dream of owning a dairy farm.

Rhys

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

WHO WE LOOK FOR…

The Trust seeks people with very special qualities; we are looking for individuals with the potential to become leaders within their communities, industry, businesses and beyond. A passion and interest in their chosen study topic is also essential, as well as a

willingness to learn and develop. Nuffield Farming Scholars come from all walks of life, but ultimately share the same goal – to lead positive change in food, farming, horticulture and rural industries.

TO QUALIFY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP, APPLICANTS MUST:

4 Be aged between 22 and 45 years.

4 Work within the farming, food, horticulture, rural and associated industries (e.g. forestry, machinery, urban farming, corporate farming) or are in a position to influence these industries.

MYTHBUSTING

8 There is no requirement for academic qualifications. Scholarships are not awarded to anyone in full-time education or to further research projects.

8 Applicants do not necessarily need to hold positions of leadership, but should instead display a desire to make a difference in their industry.

4 Be established in their career and demonstrate a passion for the industry they work in.

4 Be three years post-tertiary education.

4 Be a resident in the UK, hold a UK passport or be working directly for UK agriculture.

8 Selection of Scholars is not influenced by applicants’ existing resources, business size, background, or network.

8 Scholars do not have to provide personal funding towards their Scholarship.

8 Applicants do not need to have a personal or professional connection to a Nuffield Farming Scholar or the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

Williams NSch 2010

APPLICATION PROCESS & SUPPORT

The application process for a Nuffield Farming Scholarship begins with an online, short answer response form, including a brief video. Throughout the application process, support and advice are available from the Nuffield Farming office and the applicant’s regional group chair. During this period, applicants are also invited to attend virtual open nights, recruitment events, and drop-in advice sessions.

If shortlisted, applicants will be invited to attend a mock interview with their regional representative and local Scholars to provide

ELIGIBLE SECTORS INCLUDE

Livestock & Arable Farming

Horticulture & Viticulture

Forestry

Veterinary Sciences

preparation, support and feedback ahead of their official selection interview. If successful, new Scholars are officially awarded their Scholarship at the Nuffield Farming Conference the same year and can begin using the post-nominal NSch.

Agronomy & Soil Sciences

Business & Corporate

Communications, Marketing & PR

Rural Affairs

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING & SPONSORSHIP

Aquaculture

Land & Game Management

Conservation & Environment

Politics & Public Sector

People, Health & Well-being

Agri-tech & Machinery

Nuffield Farming Scholarships are generously funded by Sponsors of the Trust. All Scholars receive a bursary to fund Scholarship travel and subsistence, training sessions, attending Trust conferences, report publishing and other expenses related to their Scholarship.

BECOMING A NUFFIELD SCHOLAR

YEAR 1 YEAR 2

MEMBER AND AFFILIATE NATIONS

CONTEMPORARY SCHOLARS CONFERENCE (CSC)

Held in a different country every year, the CSC takes place over seven days and brings together all new Nuffield Scholars from member and affiliate nations. Here, all Scholars begin to develop the leadership qualities, skills and global understanding necessary to make best use of their Scholarship – while sharing the unique context of agriculture within the host nation.

Over 120 Scholars from 15 countries spent a week in Norfolk and London for the 2022 CSC. See what they got up at the Norwich Research Park...

With a busy agenda of business briefings, personal development sessions, industry workshops, and field trips, the CSC allows Scholars to become fully immersed in the host country’s agricultural industry. Scholars are also encouraged to socialise and build networks among the global Nuffield Farming family.

GLOBAL FOCUS PROGRAMME (GFP)

The GFP is a multi-week international study tour that facilitates an in-depth understanding of global agriculture. It offers a unique opportunity for UK Scholars to undertake extra sponsored travel as part of a small group of international Scholars. Funding for this is additional to the Scholarship, and places are limited.

Scholars benefit from exposure to a broad range of agricultural systems in very different political and social environments, whilst travelling in a close group during an intense programme. Different tours are available to choose from, with each providing unique opportunities for learning, cultural experiences and high calibre, global networking.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD

NEW SCHOLAR BRIEFING

Prior to the annual Nuffield Farming Conference, all new Scholars come together for a briefing day allowing the cohort to meet and become acquainted with the Trust. Scholars are introduced to the Nuffield Farming team, learn more about the programme, and get to ask questions of previous Scholars. Following the briefing day, Scholars then attend their first Nuffield Farming Conference and receive their award.

MENTORSHIP

All Scholars are invited to accept the guidance of a Scholar mentor during their Scholarship and beyond. Mentors provide a valuable sounding board to test out ideas and explore opportunities but also provide a source of impartial advice, support, and an opportunity for goal setting.

My mentor challenges me to think in different ways to ensure we make the most of this opportunity to influence change in the industry. I already owe a great deal to her mentorship and would like to thank Nuffield for the introduction.

Helen Wyman NSch 2022

SCHOLARSHIP TRAVEL

Study travel is the core of Nuffield Farming Scholarships. Scholars are required to undertake a minimum of eight weeks travel to countries of their choice in order to research and collect information relating to their study topic. The eight weeks of travel does not have to be concurrent, but Scholars are required to travel independently for at least four weeks. All travel arrangements and visits are organised by the Scholar. Scholars are welcome to supplement their bursary with personal funds or additional sponsorship, but this is absolutely not a requirement and limitations on extra sponsorship do apply.

REPORT ACCREDITATION

Scholars have the opportunity to gain Master’s level accreditation for their study through Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), offered for an additional fee. The programme is delivered entirely by distance learning, includes research methodology training and advice, and results in 40 Level 7 credits.

PRE-CSC

The Pre-CSC takes place over four days ahead of the Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) and acts as a briefing event for new Scholars before travelling. Here, Scholars gain valuable insight into strategic issues in UK agriculture from industry leaders and develop useful skills ahead of their travels. Training sessions include public speaking, media training, critical analysis and debating, and video and photography training. Scholars are also briefed on Scholarship administration and travel advice, with time also set aside for socialising and networking.

TRAINING DAYS

In the second year of their Scholarship, Scholars are provided with specialist coaching to support the creation of their report, videos and conference presentation.

SCHOLARSHIP DELIVERABLES Report

On completion of their study tour, Scholars will submit a full written report of 5,000 words, which is edited and formally published by the Trust in hard copy as well as online.

Video

Scholars are required to write and produce a 30 second introductory video and a 3 minute video summarising their study findings.

Conference Presentation

The culmination of two years of challenging study and travel, Scholars have 12 minutes to present their findings, conclusions and recommendations at the annual Nuffield Farming Conference. This is followed by questions from an audience of Nuffield Scholar alumni, industry leaders, members of the press and Nuffield supporters.

The Master’s level accreditation programme itself was flexible with supportive course leaders. Taking this academic approach suited my study topic and ultimately made the report writing process simpler. Going down the accreditation route has been a great steppingstone and has allowed me to now start working towards my Master’s.

Heidi Hall NSch 2019

A NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIP IS FOR LIFE

Following the end of their study, Scholars are encouraged to remain part of the Nuffield Farming family and can engage through many events including industry receptions, farm tours, conferences, and more. These opportunities come with the potential for CPD and networking, as well as provide the chance to reconnect with and give back to the Trust.

Scholars are invited to join their local regional group and relevant study groups to network with other alumni and to support potential Scholars. Groups regularly hold events including field trips, study tours, and visits to local businesses.

NUFFIELD REGIONAL GROUPS

NUFFIELD STUDY GROUPS

Dairy Horticultural Pigs Poultry Reputation & Public Outreach People Regenerative Agriculture

Arable Beckett Beef & Sheep Business

RECRUITING THE NEXT GENERATION

Our Scholars are our biggest advocates and, as such, we encourage all alumni to become involved in recruiting and supporting the next generation of Scholars. From sharing the benefits of a Nuffield Scholarship with personal contacts, to supporting applicants and mentoring new Scholars, the opportunities to give back and grow our influence are endless.

HOW TO HELP

• Speak at local farmer groups and meetings

• Represent Nuffield Farming at shows and events

• Help support regional Nuffield Farming groups and run mock interviews

• Share more about opportunities with colleagues and personal connections

• Become a Nuffield Farming mentor (mentor training provided)

• Take up a leadership opportunity within the Trust, including running a group or serving as a Trustee.

NUFFIELD FARMING CONFERENCE

The Nuffield Farming Conference is the cornerstone of the Nuffield Farming calendar. Hosted by a different UK region each year, it sees both a cohort of Scholars presenting the findings of their study, as well as a new group of Scholars joining the Nuffield family.

The Conference also provides an invaluable opportunity for our alumni and supporters to come together, share ideas, catch up and enjoy themselves. Networking and socialising are key to the two-day conference, which also features the Annual Gala Dinner and prominent guest speakers.

During the Conference we also recognise the exceptional work of our Scholars with several awards:

• HSBC Silver Salver

• John Stewart Shield

• Steven & Gillian Bullock Award

• Greener Future Award

• Frank Arden Leadership Award

HOW TO SUPPORT THE TRUST

ANNUAL DONATIONS

As a charitable organisation, the Trust relies on generous donations from its supporters. Financial donations allow us to continue to provide high levels of support for our Scholars and to continue to lead positive change. We ask Scholars to continue their Nuffield Farming membership through a nominal annual membership fee, which in part funds the day-to-day running of the Trust.

SPONSOR A SCHOLARSHIP

The continued success of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships and its many achievements are dependent upon the generous and ongoing support of our Sponsors. We are grateful to the industry bodies, associations, individuals and charities who regularly fund these awards, some of whom have supported the Trust for many years. We are always delighted to hear from those interested in sponsoring a Scholarship and supporting the work of the Trust.

FRIENDS OF NUFFIELD FARMING

Our Friends of Nuffield Farming programme offers businesses the opportunity to financially support the Trust’s running costs. This ensures we can deliver this essential programme, improve our offerings and use our position to continue making a difference.

In return for their generosity, Friends of Nuffield receive an exclusive package of supporter benefits including advertisement and promotional opportunities. We ask all our alumni to consider whether they could join the programme or if they could introduce other potential ’Friends’.

NUFFIELD FARMING LEGACY

Leaving a gift in your Will can help ensure that the Nuffield Farming experience is available to future generations. If you would like to remember Nuffield Farming in your Will, there are three main types of gift you can make:

• Pecuniary Gift - is the gift of a particular sum of money.

• Specific Gift - is the gift of a specific item such as a property, a painting, a piece of jewellery or an antique.

• Residuary Gift - is the gift of all (or part) of the value of your estate after debts, liabilities and other legacies have been paid.

“I feel really fortunate to have received a Nuffield Farming Scholarship. I’ve visited amazing countries, seen exceptional businesses and made lifelong friends. Nuffield has opened my eyes and opened my mind.”

John

Yeomans NSch 2006

“I set off on my Nuffield Farming Scholarship with a germ of an idea and a list of my heroes. My idea got refined, polished, smashed to pieces and rebuilt to be more resilient and better adapted to a wider world. I came home with an address book full of friends and the confidence to steer our family business against the tide.”

Neil McGowan NSch 2015

“My Nuffield findings have had an immense impact on the way we run our business, from how we run our orchards to how we market our products.”

Martin Thatcher NSch 2005

Nuffield Farming Scholarships and Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust… working together for the betterment of British agriculture

“Undertaking a Scholarship threw me out of my comfort zone, but it has given me the knowledge and confidence to thrive in my career.”

Sarah Pick NSch 2019