Young farmers want a more professional, safer, and better-supported industry – one that takes wellbeing seriously and bridges the gap between generations.
Speaking at NFYFC’s AGRI Forum, held in April, following the Annual Meeting of Clubs in Montgomeryshire, young farmers shared their concerns and hopes for the future.
The event, which was called Proud to Farm, involved a panel of speakers including NFU Cymru President Abi Reader, The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) CEO Jill Hewitt and RABI’s Head of External Affairs Sandy Kapila.
Chaired by YFC AGRI Chair Nathan Greenwood and supported by his Vice Chair Jess Radnor, topics ranged from challenging the current culture of farm safety, contracting and future farming opportunities and personal and professional resilience.
Opening up the discussion, Sandy Kapila stated everyone needs to be aware of wellbeing and farm safety issues, but that being aware of yourself is equally important.
Sandy said: “Farmers care about machinery, they care about the land, they care about livestock. They’ve got to start caring about people.”
Looking after yourself was raised as essential for the next generation, especially when shaping a future culture that makes good decisions in difficult situations.
Abi Reader noted that if cash flow problems led to corner-cutting, this false economy could also lead to preventable on-farm accidents.
Young contractors and farm employees gave examples of when they had not been listened to or cases where work had been retracted when they had challenged unsafe farm practices.
NFYFC would look at ways to help combat this by including additional information for employees within existing farm safety training and competitions.
Highlighting the poor safety statistics within the industry, Jill Hewitt insisted these must not become ‘normalised’ or accepted.
While it was recognised that industry changes and the current national and geopolitical conditions challenged wellbeing and safety, young farmers were encouraged to help change the farm safety culture.
Jill Hewitt called on them to make change in the same way they have played a significant role in diminishing the stigma around discussing wellbeing and mental health.
The opportunities for young farmers to start a contracting business were shared but with the reminder that realistic business projections were required that will withstand the current, volatile economic climate.
Resilience and supporting others were highlighted as key for navigating farming now and in the future.
Sandy Kapila said:
“The challenge is how do you build your own personal resilience to deal with the volatility? Everyone’s route is different. If you can reach out to someone who feels like they’re not themselves that will make the difference.”
Changes in IHT are pressuring families to make clear succession plans and Abi Reader invited YFC AGRI to share their views in ongoing NFU work as their role as a conduit for advice should not be overlooked.
The event concluded with the panel sharing their proudest moments in the industry and their advice for young farmers.
Jill Hewitt, who was proud of an industry award she had collected for the NAAC, advised to always be nice to people.
“Get on with people. A big part of my job is collaborating with other organisations. People remember. Whether it’s the CEO of an organisation or their PA, be nice to everyone as it’s the PA that will get you in the door.”
Abi Reader gave a long list of advice for young farmers, some of which was based on her time as a YFC member.
“Go on any training sessions you can get your hands on – from vets, feed merchants, you can never stop training. Celebrate other people’s success. Keep chipping away and don’t dwell on things. Sometimes you will have a really bad day, just let it go.
“And the final one which I live by is the day will always end. No matter how bad that day is you will get in the house at the end of it and another one will start. Focus on what is ahead of you.”
