"Young Farmers helped me get sufficient practical experience in industry"

Ashleigh Yates joined YFC in 2016 through her secondary school’s farm, where she learnt basic animal husbandry and it ignited her passion for agriculture. Ashleigh shares her story about how YFC has supported her career in agriculture and her current role on McDonald's Progressive Young Farmers Programme.

Which club are you a member of now?

After school, I moved to Weald of Kent YFC, where I have been an active member for the last three years. I have had the opportunity to learn about different industries and diversification projects; as well as participating in a wide range of shows and charity events.

Why did you apply for the Progressive Young Farmer scheme with McDonald's?

I believed it would be an incredible opportunity to learn from industry experts and understand the McDonald’s supply chain. I was drawn to this role as it aligned with modules covered in my degree with a key focus on current topics such as sustainability and animal welfare.

What types of opportunities have you had so far on the programme?

I have been allocated to Noble Foods. I am new to the poultry industry, so the company were keen to get me on farm to gain hands-on experience and understand how different poultry systems work.

Each farm has offered me an abundance of knowledge and shared their expertise on farm and shown me management skills in the office.

The company has also organised out-of-work events such as Poultry Network, a conference where I learnt more about the wider industry. I’m really looking forward to attending future events such as the Oxford Farming Conference and Groundswell!

What are you hoping to gain from the Programme and how will it help with your career plans?

I am hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the egg supply chain and how it’s managed to maintain streamlined efficiency. I would also like to take the year to work on skills such as confidence and public speaking which are essential in the agricultural industry. I’m particularly interested in nutrition and genetics so I believe I can take my knowledge from this year and carry it through my last year of university and into my future career.

What skills have you gained through YFC that are helping with with the programme?

As I’m not from a farming background, Young Farmers helped me get sufficient practical experience in the beef, dairy, sheep and arable industry in order to meet the criteria for my university application.

Our YFC meetings have allowed me to gain new perspectives from farmers across different enterprises and how they are developing their businesses to keep up with an everchanging industry.

During show season I am typically found in the show ring exhibiting stock for the club, this has helped me build upon my time management and teamwork – skills that have been vital during the McDonald’s programme.

Would you recommend McDonald's Progressive Young Farmer Programme to others?

100%! I’m only early days into my placement but I have learnt there’s so much work that goes into an egg! It’s such an incredible experience where McDonald’s and their suppliers will provide you with so many opportunities for personal and professional development.

Apply for this year's Progressive Young Farmer Programme by 14 November 2025.