Farming’s next generation have a few days left to apply for a fully funded training pathway which is providing a welcome boost to agricultural careers.
Now in its second year, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Goodall Agri-Development Pathway offers ambitious farmers aged 23 to 40 the chance to develop their skills and build their confidence and contacts as part of a close network of likeminded peers who are all keen to progress in their sector.
There are 12 places available on this unique, annual programme, all fully funded by farming charity the Yorkshire Agricultural Society which has been developed thanks to a legacy left to the Society specifically to support young people in farming. The deadline to apply to be part of the Goodall Agri-Development Pathway 2025 is Monday 2nd December 2024.
Lynsey Pack, head of Charitable Activities at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “This is absolutely the programme for you if you wish to learn new skills and get experience to develop your career, grow your knowledge and build ever greater confidence to take on more responsibilities within a farm business. The Pathway can be your launch pad to take your career ambitions to the next level.
“In its first year, I’ve seen firsthand the huge benefits to the professional development of younger people in the industry. Their bond as a group has become a really powerful support network and a really heartening legacy that will hold them in good stead as they further their careers.”
The Pathway has been transformative for farmers Tom Willis and Katy Brown.
Tom, who farms near Northallerton following a previous career as a chartered surveyor and land agent, said: “It is rare to see training such as the Goodall programme that is long-term and covers so many topics. It's made me more organised in pushing things forward on the farm. It has emboldened my decision making and that’s come from the things I have learned on the modules, hearing what the other Pathfinders are up to and listening to the programme’s various speakers.”
Katy, who farms near Malton with her husband, applied for the Pathway having secured a farm tenancy which has allowed them to farm full-time. She said: “It was absolutely perfect for myself coming full time into a farming business. The course is designed over the year to basically set you up, give you skills, improve your knowledge on everything involved in farming. There’s a really good mix, there’s 12 of us, all from different backgrounds but all who have come into farming at a similar age and it’s just brilliant.”
Over an eight-month period, the Pathway involves face-to-face and online learning, farm visits, conferences and an overseas study trip, with insights from expert speakers. There are eight modules with the first taking place in March 2025. Each module lasts between one and four days and some require overnight stays.
The Pathway covers different aspects of agricultural businesses, including knowing yourself and working in a team, navigating working relationships, sustainable business development and agri-marketing, leadership, basic HR, influencing and educating stakeholders, farm administration, and diversification, innovation and change.
Allister Nixon, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “The Goodall Agri-Development Pathway really is an opportunity not to be missed. The Yorkshire Agricultural Society is grateful to the late-Mary Goodall, who made the Pathway possible by her kind legacy to further the Society’s charitable aims to support young people in the agricultural industry.”
Whilst places are fully funded, a £250 deposit refundable upon completion of the Pathway is required to secure a place following a successful application. Applicants need to live or work in the North of England and work in farming and allied industries.
To apply for a place, submit a completed application form, available on the Yorkshire Agricultural Society website yas.co.uk before the application window closes on 2nd December 2024. To request more information, email education@yas.co.uk
