School pupils gain first-hand experience of farming on AgriFuture residential
A group of young people from across the country have gained a unique insight into agriculture, food production and explored the great outdoors during a five-day trip as part of the AgriFuture Scholarship Programme.
The AgriFuture residential saw 43 pupils from Years 9 and 10 travel to the Peak District for a packed programme of hands-on learning and outdoor activities.
The trip formed part of the AgriFuture Scholarship Programme, a collaboration between the NFU, British Ethnicity and Diversity Society and Equalinks.
The programme aims to improve diversity and inclusion in the agriculture sector by supporting and attracting young people from racially marginalised backgrounds through a tailored programme of mentoring, residential trips and work placements.
“Through hands-on experiences like this residential, we are helping the next generation to see themselves working in agriculture while at the same time building confidence and developing other valuable skills for their futures, such as teamwork.”
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt
Hands-on experience
Day one got off to an energetic start with team building activities, including raft building and zip lining, helping the youngsters build on essential teamwork and confidence skills.
The fun continued the next day, when the school pupils got a taste for life on the farm, taking part in a tractor driving experience during a visit to the Adventure Farm Activity Centre, joined by NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt. They also learned about how AI (Artificial Intelligence) is being used to monitor wildlife through a birdsong workshop led by Sophie Constant from the University of Southampton.
Later in the week, pupils visited Pye Ash Farm in Cheshire, where they took part in sheepdog training and wool workshops, and gained hands-on experience alongside a farm vet.
They then learned more about the journey from farm to fork through practical cooking workshops, including a butchery session with The Halal Butcher and dessert making with baker Rooji the Foodie.
Strengthening the industry
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said: “It is fantastic to get young people out on farm and showcase to them the vast range of career opportunities our sector has to offer.
“Through hands-on experiences like this residential, we are helping the next generation to see themselves working in agriculture while at the same time building confidence and developing other valuable skills for their futures, such as teamwork.
“Agriculture is the least ethnically diverse sector in the UK, but we know there is a strong appetite for change.
“Programmes like AgriFuture encourage young people from all cultures and backgrounds to consider a future in agriculture, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives that will strengthen the industry for years to come.”
