Focus on Farming school conference inspires future generations
The highly anticipated Focus on Farming school conference, bringing 120 secondary students closer to the heart of British farming and sustainable food production was hosted at Ragley on Tuesday (4th March).
The event, organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) was a dynamic and interactive learning experience, designed to deepen students’ understanding of where their food comes from. The event involved year 9 students from Alcester Academy, Alcester Grammar School, St Benedict’s School – Alcester, and Chipping Campden School. Students participated in hands-on activities and discussions with farmers and industry professionals, exploring topics ranging from animal husbandry to arable farming, biodiversity, and the latest agricultural technologies. A dedicated market hall featured a careers and food producers hub, offering students valuable insights into industry opportunities and the future of farming, with a focus on sustainable food production.
The 9th Marquess of Hertford said: “I am delighted that Ragley was able to support LEAF and AHDB in hosting this Focus on Farming event. The future of farming and the environment is something that is extremely important to me, and this gives the estate a chance to support young people with an emerging interest in the countryside. We are the custodians of the land, and it’s exciting to play a part in supporting the next generation of rural entrepreneurs.”
The event was also supported by businesses in the local area, many of our specialist farming suppliers, local colleges and universities. Students were able to explore ‘real-life’ options for routes into farming and environment-related careers through education, apprenticeships and work experience. We would like to extend our thanks to AHDB, Alice Dyer, Arden Forest Honey, Ceres Rural – Agronomist, Claas, Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub, Eat Wild, Gorsehill Abbey Farm, Hillers Farm Shop, Jordan’s Cereals, JRH Water Management, LEAF Marque & LEAF Education, Limebridge Rural Services Ltd, Moreton Morrell College, Ragley Estate staff, Royal Agricultural University, Rural Enterprise Hub, Sandfields Farms Ltd, Savills, Stratford-upon-Avon College, Tallis Amos Group, University of Warwick, Wildfarmed
Elsa Healey, AHDB Senior Education Manager, said: “It’s vital for young people to see firsthand the incredible work happening on farms across the UK – producing food in a sustainable way while looking after the environment. The enthusiasm from both the students and our farming professionals shows the immense value in connecting future generations with the agriculture industry. We’d like to express our sincere thanks to our partners at LEAF, hosts Ragley Estate, and all the industry professionals who contributed to making this event such a success.”
Carl Edwards, Director of Education and Public Engagement at LEAF, said: “Putting sustainability at the heart of teaching and learning is crucial to help young people understand and value the agri-food industry and all it delivers. AHDB and LEAF are continuing to lead the way in providing rich and diverse opportunities for students to talk directly to professionals in our industry, to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of how the agri-food sector is transitioning to more resilient food and farming systems. These experiential learning experiences are also critical in helping inform future generations about more climate positive choices.
Our sincere thanks to everyone involved for giving up their time to share their experience of working in rural careers:
- AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board)
- Alice Dyer
- Arden Forest Honey
- Ceres Rural – Louise Penn, Agronomist
- Claas Western
- Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub
- Eat Wild
- Gorsehill Abbey Farm
- Hillers Farm Shop
- Jordan’s Cereals
- JRH Water Management
- LEAF (Linking Education & Farming) Education and LEAF Marque
- Limebridge Rural Services Ltd
- Moreton Morrell College / Warwickshire College Group
- Royal Agricultural University
- Rural Enterprise Hub
- Sandfields Farms Ltd
- Savills
- Stratford-upon-Avon College
- Tallis Amos Group
- University of Warwick
- Wildfarmed
- …and all staff from Ragley Estate who shared their passion for the work they do.
