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Farming Today: Farming Today This Week: Young Farmers

Farming Today This Week

30/07/2016

Farming Today This Week: Young Farmers

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Farming Today This Week: Young Farmers

David Gregory-Kumar discusses the opportunities in and barriers to a career in farming.

David Gregory-Kumar meets young farmer Matthew Sharp to discuss the opportunities in and barriers to a career in the industry.

David Gregory-Kumar meets inspirational young farmer Matthew Sharp to discuss the opportunities in - and barriers to - a career in the industry. With the average age of farmers at nearly 60 there's a need for new blood and fresh ideas. But as David finds out it can be difficult to get access to things like land and finance - even to be taken seriously by the older generation.
Matthew, 23, is a first generation farmer. He bought his first livestock with money he raised mowing neighbours' lawns at the age of 13, and learned farming skills through work experience on various farms throughout his teens. While still studying agriculture at university he applied for and got the farm manager job at Rising Sun Farm just outside Newcastle. The farm offers care farming for vulnerable adults, placements for agriculture students, and fresh meat and veg.
We also hear from other young people making their way in farming - including young livestock handlers, and a 27 year old who's made a career as an expert in artificial insemination. 
The producer is Sally Challoner.

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