Strengthening leaders in YFC and the industry is the focus of a new training initiative between YFC AGRI and the Society of Agriculture.
The collaboration involves YFC ambassador training as well as Defra-funded NFYFC leadership training for county chairs and staff, that will be rolled out in early 2027.
Five YFC members took part in the first round of ambassador training with the Society of Agriculture in May at NFYFC’s offices at Stoneleigh Park.
Members learnt how to communicate personal, authentic stories about their agricultural careers and discovered more about the power of effective networking and relationship-building.
Louise Summerson from Penrith YFC in Cumbria is currently studying for a degree in Agriculture with Farm Business Management at Newcastle University and successfully applied to be involved in the free ambassador training.
“My key takeaway from the day was how to tell a good story,” said Louise.
“When getting an important message across, you can’t just state the fact. First, you must grab the listener using a hook, before adding a peg to make the story relatable and memorable. I look forward to using this technique when pitching a new idea either as part of my career or as a member of Penrith YFC.
“It was great to be a part of a room of like-minded individuals, all ready and raring to promote the Society. I am excited to be a Society of Agriculture Ambassador and be a part of the community.”
Members who completed the training and have taken on the role are now recognised by the Society of Agriculture Ambassadors, including being featured on the Society’s website and can reference the role on their CVs and professional profiles.
Lydia Gardner from Shipston on Stour YFC in Warwickshire has a degree in Applied Farm Management from The Royal Agricultural University and wanted to take part in the training to further her career helping farmers to create sustainable businesses.
“The training experience at NFYFC was more than I expected. It was great to hear from those with vast experience and to be given guidance on how to improve myself as a professional and continue my career in agriculture,” said Lydia.
“I would recommend this training to people purely for the networking with a range of people with different stories and the experience of truly understanding what the Society of Agriculture has to offer, whilst developing personal skills.”
YFC leadership training is now being developed in association with the Society of Agriculture. It will encourage YFC county chairs and staff to help spread positive messages about the importance of acquiring leadership and ambassadorial skills.
It will complement the responsibilities and duties already undertaken by YFC county chairs and NFYFC Council representatives, as well as enhancing careers. As office holders within a rural youth organisation, participants already understand legislative requirements and the importance of event risk assessments, safeguarding, wellbeing, and compliance.
By introducing structured leadership development at an earlier career stage, it is hoped the initiative will build professional confidence and sector awareness to inspire the next generation of leaders in UK agriculture.
NFYFC’s AGRI Manager Sarah Palmer said: “The Defra-funded project will provide a significant step in strengthening the leadership pipeline within UK agriculture. With a collaborative aim of creating clearer progression routes into senior professional, industry or rural community leadership roles, it bodes well for the future.”
Emily Moseley currently works as a farm consultant and is an active YFC member in Derbyshire and within the YFC AGRI steering group.
“YFC members requested more easily accessible and appropriate leadership training for younger people in the industry before this recent merger,” said Emily about the merger between the Institute of Agricultural Management (IgAM) and the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants (BIAC) to form the new Society of Agriculture.
“I was delighted to put myself forward to be the first YFC ambassador to promote leadership, CPD and professionalism opportunities and network with so many other industry representatives at the launch event.”
The Society of Agriculture is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), formed to raise standards, strengthen professionalism, and support leadership across the agricultural sector.
Louise, who recommends other’s take part in training, added:
“The Society of Agriculture reflects my personal ambition to advocate for career long development in agriculture through providing a collaborative and supportive community with opportunities for networking, CPD, conferences and more.
“I look forward to using my ambassador status to encourage more people to join the society to access the support network available, as well as access life-long learning opportunities.”
More information about the YFC leadership training will be shared before 2027.
