How fast is farming changing?

According to that farmer, sowing a seed in the ground has not changed and nor will it. Farming is farming. Which I guess could be true, but on the other hand, I read a lot about sustainability, diversification, changing policy, alternative farming models, food security and a changing workforce in this space which tells a different story. 

TIAH talks a lot about change, recognising professionalism and being ready for tomorrow. Being asked to support TIAH’s presence at the NFU conference made me wonder what response we’d get. And coming from me as an outsider - and by that I mean someone who doesn’t have a background in agriculture - I wondered whether this message would resonate even less. Because what do I know?  

Industry welcoming the development of a professional body

Turns out I worried needlessly. The more people I spoke to at the conference, the more natural the conversations felt. The most common topics of conversation were about profitable businesses, labour challenges, what it takes to successfully manage people as well as what a professional body like TIAH could support with. Some people are further down the line when it comes to recognising and embracing the idea of continuing professional development and lifelong learning, but most people understand the value it could bring.   

That said, there is still work to be done. It felt like many seasoned farmers could see the benefit of training records and online learning for their staff, but there were far fewer who felt they needed - or have time for - their own skills development. I get it – farmers know how to do their jobs. Not to mention they’re busy.  

But I suspect, the mindset change to acknowledge that perhaps they could benefit from continuous learning and would like to be able to demonstrate just how professional they are, will come. And it’s true for everyone, regardless of what sort of job you do, that the skills you learned yesterday may not be fit for purpose tomorrow. New generations are growing up and entering the job market with very different expectations to the generation before them which will be impossible to ignore in the long run. 

There's always more to learn in farming and growing

Since the NFU conference, I’ve wondered if perhaps I’m not alone in worrying about not being accepted in this industry due to a life outside of farming and growing.  I’ve wondered how many other people feel the same? Or are my insecurities down to a misconception I have that farmers are not interested in talking to someone with my experiences?  Maybe that’s the mindset change that I need to make in order to not limit my own potential. 

I’m not afraid to admit I have a lot to learn. And I think that will always be true but I hope in time that I will feel a greater sense of belonging to this industry that I’ve become so passionate about. I think as innovation continues and improvements to ways of working are made, the business of farming will continue to change. And I know that between myself and my colleagues here at TIAH, we all really want to be a part of that.