Onus on current crop to prove farming is '˜sexy' career choice

YOUNG PEOPLE are needed to inject innovation into the farming industry, television presenter Adam Henson told an audience in Beverley.
Countryfile's Adam Henson spoke at the Agrii Northern Conference at Bishop Burton College.Countryfile's Adam Henson spoke at the Agrii Northern Conference at Bishop Burton College.
Countryfile's Adam Henson spoke at the Agrii Northern Conference at Bishop Burton College.

The BBC Countryfile presenter, who farms in the Cotswold Hills when the cameras are off, said young people needed to be shown that farming can be a “sexy” industry to work in.

Speaking at the annual Agrii Northern Conference at Bishop Burton College, Mr Henson said: “Countryfile tries to show agriculture in a positive light and banish the image of overworked, whinging farmers.

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“We must market ourselves to youngsters with good technical and business qualifications that farming can be sexy and a great industry to work in.”

He added: “The average age of the farmer is getting younger, suggesting the industry is seeing a surge in popularity with the next generation. That’s down to colleges like this.”

Almost 1,000 farmers from across the North attended the conference to debate a range of issues faced by farmers, including the increasing commoditisation of wheat.

Topics discussed at the event included maximising yield, caring for soil and the rise of precision technology – a highly technical and specialist farming technique.

Mr Henson said: “Farmers have to solve problems every minute of the day so young people looking to agriculture as a career need to make sure they are prepared for constant change and innovation.”

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