Wanted – dynamic, enthusiastic young people for ‘a life on the land’

Young entrepreneurial North West farmers are doing their bit to encourage the region's teenagers to look to the countryside to see how it can give them the career of their dreams.

The NFU has produced a glossy report, aimed at encouraging young people who are about to leave school and start on the first step of their career ladder, to look at the wealth of opportunities available working in agri-businesses. Called 'A life on the land', the report also serves as a reminder that you don't need a farming background to have a successful career in the industry.

Packed with real life case studies, the report aims to inspire young people and give them advice on where to go to get the ball rolling.

Cumbrian farmer, Richard Geldard, and Cheshire farmer, Jonny Hewitt, make up two of these case studies.

Richard, 32, runs a beef, sheep and poultry farm with his brother and parents in Levens, near Kendal. His story appears on a page dedicated to those who aspire to a career working with animals.

In the case study Richard explains why animals are a joy to work with. He says: "The animals are great to work with in the Lake District environment. They can be a challenge, it's true, especially in the winter when the snow is falling on the hills, but I love the way that everything changes with the seasons – breeding, finishing, marketing. We care for our animals a lot. You have to if you want to make a success of livestock farming. They are well looked after."

Self titled Director of Fun and Chaos at Redhouse Farm in Dunham Massey, Jonny Hewitt, 33, has helped set up a farm shop, tea room and has introduced seasonal fun activities to draw in customers. These include a maize maze, Halloween spectacular and Christmas fair.

He gives advice on a page which explores options for young people who are looking for a future producing and selling good food.

"I haven't been in farming all my life – I have worked outside the industry but it called me back so here I am," explains Jonny.

Jonny was a graduate of agrifood marketing at Harper Adams college before moving to Kent and starting a Masters Degree in international marketing at Wye College. He has travelled extensively, learning new skills from around the world that he has brought home to Cheshire.

Each day, he says, is very different. Jonny says: "You never know who's going to come into the shop or tea room and what they're looking for. We have loads of support from the local villagers and everyone loves the great farmhouse produce we have. It's a good life."

NFU Vice President Paul Temple is encouraging all school leavers to take a look at the report, be inspired and join the agricultural industry.

He says: "A life on the land in the 21st century is not just about muddy wellies and dirty finger nails – it's about adapting new technology, selling to your strengths and listening to your customer.

"We're on the look out for young people to take agriculture and horticulture on to even greater success. Farming needs dynamic, committed young people who are prepared to work hard, develop their skills and who take pleasure in reaping the rewards of their labour.

"This is the best life and the best job I could possibly think of. The benefits of the countryside are fantastic and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

The report offers much more than a basic career guide. It shows how people from all walks of life have carved out successful agri-careers from being at the sharp end on-farm to developing new technologies and using science and research to push the industry's boundaries even further.

Dispelling myths and providing real facts, 'A life on the land' is the latest theme of the NFU's national Why Farming Matters campaign and shows why young people really matter to farming.