The successful group fought off a number of quality candidates to gain a position on the industry’s coveted programme, which will see them attend events at parliament, learn more about the industry from peers and be involved in multiple projects such as recording for the Shed Talks podcast and helping to shape events for young people within the farming sector.
The young farmers will all play a vital role in telling the story of British farming to the public as part of a prestigious leadership and development scheme.
The scheme, which previously ran for 12 months at a time, will now run for two years to give each cohort a chance to attend more events and build more meaningful networks.
“At a time when farming is facing huge change and pressures, their energy and perspective couldn’t be more important.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Meet our new ambassadors
Jack Ancell
NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador (2026-2028)
He believes there is a great opportunity for all farming businesses to demonstrate their positive impact upon the countryside and local communities.
“I would like to give back to the industry, by demonstrating the vast environmental and social benefits of our farming systems.”
William Evans
NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador (2026-2028)
He wants to do this by helping support and elevate new voices within the industry, and in doing so, show the nation what fantastic work farmers up and down the country do every day.
“I am looking forward to meeting like-minded individuals from all sectors of the farming industry and learning more about the different systems and enterprises out there.”
Nikita Fineran
NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador (2026-2028)
She’s already made a start on her ambitions, with a puppy to train and her own flock of sheep to tend.
As she works towards her goals, Nikita aims to help others starting out in agriculture, particularly those with limited access to training.
“I want to help others in any way I can and be a source of inspiration to other young farmers. I am ready to make the connections and gain the knowledge I need to help me achieve my goals.”
Lydia Gardner
NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador (2026-2028)
She is proud to help individual farmers locally and is eager to broaden her impact – working on behalf of farmers across the UK to help secure a stronger, more sustainable future for the industry.
“I’m keen to explore new areas of the agricultural industry, further enhancing my ability to support farmers through the SYFAP ambassadorship.”
Jessica Madge
NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador (2026-2028)
She believes that effective storytelling and clear advocacy are crucial for a progressive and inclusive farming future.
“I am eager to represent the next generation of farmers and contribute to shaping the future of our industry.”
Nathaniel (Nat) Watkins
NFU Student & Young Farmer Ambassador (2026-2028)
During the past year he’s appeared across multiple news outlets, encouraging audiences to get into farming.
“Since I first heard of the SYFAP, it has been a personal goal of mine to become an ambassador. I would like more than anything to boost the sector and bring in fresh talent, and so I am really excited to be involved this year’s programme.”
Strong voices
Welcoming our new ambassadors, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “I’m delighted to welcome this new group of Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors.
“They’ve shown real passion, talent and commitment and it’s fantastic to see such strong voices stepping forward to represent the future of our industry and tell our positive farming story to the public, opinion formers and politicians, locally and nationally.
“At a time when farming is facing huge change and pressures, their energy and perspective couldn’t be more important.
“I know they’ll play a vital role in championing British food and farming, building connections across the sector and helping to shape the conversations that matter. I can’t wait to see the impact they make over the next two years.”
