Molly Brampton
Growing up in Bedfordshire from a non-farming background, my childhood interests in farming were based on racing down to the bottom of the garden to see the tractor in the arable field behind my grandparent's house.
Having now worked my fifth harvest, and another season somewhere new, I am often met with the question: what made you get into farming?
My entry into agriculture came from joining my local young farmers club at 14, with no intentions of getting into farming.
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Young farmers gave me an insight into what farming was all about: the sense of community, the variety of skills to be gained, and the great feeling of achievement when seeing your hard work pay off. Taking on board that ‘give it a go' attitude is a great driving force in the progression of our industry today.
Studying Agriculture at Harper Adams University has allowed me to network further within the agricultural community, meeting a range of young people, and talking all things farming in both the classroom and over a pint.
Both the agricultural companies working with Harper Adams, and the connections made meeting other students has offered me many opportunities working in agriculture across the UK, as well as future plans to experience farming internationally.
See also: Farming charity 'left to pick up the pieces' on mental health
A common buzzword appearing in farming conversations at the moment is ‘uncertainty'.
It seems we have had a lifetime's worth of challenges hit the industry in the past few years, and little certainty following up after. A pandemic, the Ukraine war, rising input costs, lack of changes in tackling bovine TB, Brexit, the removal of BPS, and delays in the SFI, are all large events you'd expect to hit across a much greater time period. But the implications of these events are impacting farmers all at once, with little guidance on what the future may bring. It seems at the moment farmers are often being promised sunshine, whilst sitting through what feels like an endless fog.
Facing difficulties over time, can understandably begin to impact your mental health. Although I believe farming to be one of the most rewarding jobs, the days of defeat are enough to knock down even the most passionate and happiest of farmers. This was something I experienced, and fortunately with great support from the DPJ foundation, they helped me get back to myself, and back to what I love.
Many people believe your career begins after you have your degree or reach your end goal job. But for me, my career began the day I found my passion for farming. I hope to bring my current and future experiences to a farm business of my own one day, and that the future of farming continues to inspire and encourage young people, just like it did for me.
