OFC scholars embrace change

The chance to attend this year’s Oxford Farming Conference as an NFYFC Scholar proved to be an incredible learning opportunity for two YFC members. Hannah Rees from Pembrokeshire and Nathaniel Watkins from Gloucestershire share their experience of being scholars, funded by The Worshipful Company of Farmers.

Q. What are some of your highlights from the conference?

Hannah:

For the Love of Grass Fed Beef from Anthony Murphey from the Beefy Boys was one of my favourite talks. Liz Haines was a very close second in the order of my favourite speakers of the entire conference with her talk on Neurodiversity in Agriculture and about her own experiences with ADHD and her Nuffield scholarship. I felt I could relate to this talk as someone who is neurodiverse.

Nathaniel:

My highlights are:

• The Oxford Conferences' Inaugural Welcome Dinner – many great speakers and a good chance to break bread with people with differing opinions.
• At the Christchurch dinner, I sat next to NFU President Tom Bradshaw and CAAV Secretary and Advisor Jeremy Moody – an unforgettable experience.

What was involved in the Scholar’s training?

Hannah:

It involved two online seminars in the evenings prior to the conference, to prepare us and outline the expectations of scholars.

There was also a scholars’ day in London at McDonalds headquarters which included speakers and workshops with fellow scholars from different organisations. I was surprised by how supportive McDonald’s use of British agriculture is and how sustainability is a focal point of their business strategy.

On the first day of the OFC, the scholars took part in social media training and learnt some guidelines around posting, which I have since put into practice.

How did you contribute to the conference?

Hannah:

I contributed questions during the conference both on the app and I also stood up with a microphone in two separate sessions and asked a question. One session was about whether fear or judgement between farmers has delayed change and how outsiders on farm can initiate the conversation regarding poor mental health.

It was both a terrifying and rewarding experience standing in front of so many people asking a question. It attracted attention and helped with networking, as I was approached during the breaks by people who were interested in the questions I’d asked.

What was a key takeaway from the conference?

Hannah:

I learnt the importance of change and the opportunities that you can get from change. I also learnt the importance of speaking up and asking questions as it can lead to positive conversations in the networking breaks. You don’t have time to be shy as within one second of ending a conversation, you engage in another.

I also learnt more about inclusivity and diversity in agriculture and the benefits of having everyone in one room – from students and farmers to reps and politicians.

Nathaniel:

That the industry has more depth, and breadth, than I ever realised. Scientific discovery is leading the way but it has to be directed by government and industry needs.

What key points from the conference would you share with YFC members?

Hannah:

I’d recommend anyone apply for the scholarship. I’d also recommend asking questions as these questions can indirectly begin conversations with CEOs, politicians or fellow professionals.

Remember YFC is for Everyone and your status doesn’t matter! Everyone at OFC is treated the same whether you’re a young farmer, CEO or Tom Bradshaw! It really was an experience of a lifetime. Say yes to every opportunity and say yes to engaging in every conversation.

Nathaniel:

My key takeaways:

• The days of climate change mitigation are gone and adaptation to the climate change is the new normal.
• Change in agriculture can come about through policy and science, or from the bottom up through changing practices on farm. You don’t have to wait for someone else to act in order to change.
• Farmers may choose to be more business orientated rather than taxpayer focused in future, playing the hand the governing bodies deal.
• If you can measure it, you can manage it. Data will lead the agricultural revolution, so to speak.

Would you recommend being a scholar at the Oxford Farming Conference to others?

Hannah:

I really recommend anyone applies, regardless of occupation, experience etc. It truly is an incredible experience. A highlight of my YFC journey was standing in front of hundreds of people asking questions which would lead to some positive conversations.

Nathaniel:

Through attending this exciting and thought-provoking conference I believe I have gained a much greater appreciation of the scope and breadth of the industry.

Through talks from those at the top of their sectors and vigorous debate I have not only been inspired but gained confirmation of my place in agriculture. With immense gratitude to NFYFC and the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

Opportunities for scholarships for the 2026 Oxford Farming Conference will be advertised later in the year.