Could you be the next Clarkson’s Farm star? How young Brits can kickstart a career in agriculture

COULD you be among the next crop of UK farmers?

While agricultural life has been popularised by TV show Clarkson’s Farm, the sector is facing a recruitment crisis.

Britain needs young farmers

Agricultural life has been popularised by TV show Clarkson’s Farm

Around two in five farmers are over the age of 65, with fewer than one in 20 under 35.

The proportion of young people working on farms has dropped sharply over recent decades due to high land prices, increased taxation and low financial returns.

But now, “farmfluencers” are helping to promote countryside careers on social media and tempt more young people to consider it as both a job and a lifestyle.

Among the best-known is arable farmer Olly Harrison, known for his Olly Blogs YouTube channel.

He left school at 16, having struggled with dyslexia, and has expanded his farm from 180 acres to more than 1,500 acres.

Olly, from Tarbock near Prescot in Merseyside, said: “Farming has never been an easy job, but it’s one of the most rewarding careers there is. Every generation brings new ideas, fresh passion and energy and a different perspective.

“And that’s what keeps the industry moving forward. Despite the challenges facing farmers, there are brilliant young people across the country doing incredible things.”

To encourage more Brits to consider farming, Olly has teamed up with farm fuel distributor Certas to launch a search to discover the rising stars that are shaping the future of British agriculture.

Olly Harrison, from Olly Blogs YouTube channel, left school at 16 to pursue a career in agriculture

The farming industry is crying out for young workers

Instead of focusing solely on the challenges faced by farmers, The Next Crop will highlight the opportunities that exist within modern agriculture, celebrating the young people helping to drive the sector forward.

Young farmers and agricultural workers aged between 16 and 30 are being asked to share their experiences and demonstrate how they are helping to shape the future of agriculture.

That may be through innovation, sustainability, education, practical work or their contribution to a family farming business generations in the making.

Olly says: “We want to give young farmers a platform to share their stories and celebrate their achievements, whether they’re working in a family business, building something new of their own or finding innovative ways to overcome everyday challenges.”