Building a career in the countryside: the CLA Charitable Trust scholars

The next generation of farmers and land managers are optimistic and ambitious for the rural economy’s future, and excited about their journey into the industry.

Following a recent visit to Harper Adams University, CLA President Victoria Vyvyan commended the unwavering positivity from students who are about to embark on their journey into agriculture.

The CLA Charitable Trust (CLACT) supports students studying rural-based degrees with educational bursaries at Harper Adams University in England and Aberystwyth University in Wales. We speak to Michael Lewis and Stephen Dale-Sunley, completing their final year of study at Harper Adams University, about their hopes for the future.

With his diversified arable, beef and sheep family farm located in southern Scotland, Stephen Dale-Sunley is studying BSc Hons Rural Enterprise and Land Management. His dissertation focuses on the factors influencing the price of beef in the UK, and whether future prices can be predicted. To achieve this, he is examining correlations and analysing secondary data.

Michael Lewis, from Norfolk, has followed a different route, having not come from a farming background. After initially pursuing a veterinary career, he decided to study BSc Hons Agriculture.

Michael says: “My dissertation topic investigates the effect of mycorrhiza on the early nutrition of solanaceous trap crops and their subsequent ability to reduce potato cyst nematode populations. While the study is still ongoing, previous work has highlighted the ability for solanaceous trap crops to reduce potato cyst nematode and in theory, the addition of mycorrhiza should only enhance its ability.”

Stephen completed his placement year at Cundalls, a small firm of rural surveyors specialising in sales, lettings and valuations in Malton, North Yorkshire.

Stephen says: “I enjoyed the valuation and planning work, which allowed me to visit a variety of diversified farms, meeting clients who were working to improve their assets. It was interesting to see the challenges of the planning system, particularly where permitted development was involved making applications much more easily accepted.”

Michael undertook his placement at Sentry Farming in South Norfolk. “Sentry offer a range of business solutions from contract farming to consultancy and much more.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to put the knowledge I had learnt at Harper into practice, undertaking a wide range of roles and responsibilities within the farming system and engaging with seed potato production.”

“A key achievement for me is without doubt, the CLACT scholarship,” says Stephen. “Having the opportunity to visit the CLA’s head office in London really gave me a sense of the hard work happening behind the scenes.”

Stephen was also awarded the John Hepworth Trust Scholarship for forestry, having written an assignment on agroforestry. He has since planted trees on his family farm to create shelterbelts protecting against the elements at its coastal location.

“The CLACT scholarship has definitely opened doors, enabling us to be invited to events such as its annual Rural Business Conference, as well as other industry events to meet like-minded people,” says Michael. “Despite not coming from an agricultural background, I am incredibly proud of my accomplishments in my studies and excited about advancing my career in the industry.”

While the industry faces significant challenges, with rural businesses feeling the pressure from all sides, there is a sense of optimism surrounding new and emerging opportunities.

Stephen feels that with the variety of Environmental Land Management schemes, carbon market possibilities and the potential for land ownership due to the changing demographic within the industry, the future for young entrants is bright. He also credited his family and tutors for encouraging him to be receptive to new ideas and think outside the box of traditional farming techniques.

A challenge highlighted by both is that those trying to break into a career in farming or land management often struggle to get the capital required to start their rural business.

“With the cost of construction being high, along with the value of land, livestock and equipment, it is quite a challenge to gain entry into the industry,” says Stephen.

Michael adds: "The journey to net zero and the role agriculture plays in terms of carbon sequestration, alongside food and energy production is a fi ne art. A sustainable balance will require careful navigation, but is becoming more achievable.”

Looking to the future, Michael wants to work in farming or estate management once he has completed his degree, and Stephen is hoping to achieve his Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Central Association for Agricultural Valuers accreditations.

“I want to remain up to date and current to help landowners and managers navigate any challenges that lie ahead,” says Stephen.

The CLACT is dedicated to helping charities who share in its vision of connecting people who are disabled or disadvantaged with the countryside, in addition to its educational bursaries for university students.

The Trust has been delighted to support Michael and Stephen on their educational journeys as they embark on careers in the agricultural sector.