Agriculture

On Wednesday, January 22nd, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Tesco’s annual Winter Reception at the House of Commons as part of the Future Farmer Programme, which I am currently completing.This nine-month programme, run by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University and sponsored by Tesco, is designed to equip aspiring agricultural professionals with the skills needed for sustainable farming.Since starting in October, I’ve attended two insightful conferences at Harper Adams University, featuring farm tours and talks from industry leaders. Additionally, I’ve taken part in two online seminars focusing on personal development and sustainable farming.The Winter Reception at the House of Commons was a fantastic opportunity to engage with key decision-makers in the industry and gain a broader perspective on the supply chain. It was also great to connect with a cohort of like-minded individuals.Later this month, I’ll be attending a two-day regenerative farming event, which includes a visit to FarmED—a centre dedicated to the vital connection between food and farming. We’ll also hear from Ed Brown, Head of Farms at Wildfarmed. Following this, the programme will host another online webinar, a "Walk the Supply Chain" event, and a final conference to conclude the course.So far, this experience has been invaluable. With around 70 participants from various sectors of food and agriculture, it has provided me with key insights into the broader supply chain. We’ve had useful presentations and meetings with a number of companies we work with; understanding their business and sustainability goals for the future has been really interesting. I would really recommend the programme to anyone in the industry. You can read more about the programme here.It is paramount that as recruiters for the agriculture and rural sector, we stay up to date with emerging industry trends, challenges and innovations. Programmes such as the School of Sustainable Food and Farming allow me to deepen my knowledge of the sector further and therefore provide me with the knowledge to make informed decisions when pairing candidates with the right profession.Please reach out if you have any questions, whether you are navigating the agricultural climate, or you are considering a career change, I am always happy to help!Hannah Cuthbert | Recruitment Consultant | Agriculture & RuralHannah.cuthbert@morepeople.co.uk | 01780 480 530You can read more of our blogs on agriculture here!

Bridging Tradition and Technology​As we all know, food is one of our most fundamental, primal needs. Generations of farmers have perfected their growing techniques and secrets powering the food industry. Surely something this sacred shouldn’t be tampered with…or should it?Using technology and food manufacturing in the same sentence usually elicits the same frightening response as mentioning AI: “Will it take over our jobs?” “I want to be able to trust the ingredients in my food.” “I don’t want to eat something that’s chemically grown!”These are all common misconceptions. Nature and technology can in fact work together, to create positive, sustainable and convenient practices. But are consumers ready to embrace this? If food manufacturing companies promise to produce high-quality, great-tasting food, then I think so! I sit on the agricultural and rural desk at MorePeople and it is important for us as specialist recruiters to stay up to date on technological advances to attract top talent, accurately define evolving job roles, and meet the growing demand for tech-savvy professionals. As agriculture adopts new innovations, recruiters need to understand these trends to align candidates with employer needs, drive sustainability, and support industry innovation. Staying informed ensures a future-ready workforce, and helps bridge labour gaps by identifying adaptable and skilled professionals who can navigate the industry's rapid technological evolution.We recently explored Mintel’s 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends Report, which gave us insight into the opinions of blending traditional agriculture with cutting-edge technology. For farmers, traditional techniques and wisdom have been passed through generations. They’ve become reliant on these practices that have been mastered throughout time. But as climate challenges persist, are we seeing farmers embrace technology in small doses? Let’s take drones as an example. The introduction of drones can be used in multiple ways, such as crop growth and maintenance. This not only saves time and energy for farmers, but they can also provide accurate details on the quality of their produce allowing farmers to focus their time on other projects. Additionally, GPS-guided tractors will inevitably improve farming efficiency and lead to less strain on repetitive labour. Utilising technology to create higher-yielding and more nutritious foodMintel’s report has highlighted that 52% of US vegetable buyers would eat more vegetables engineered to be more nutritious. This does support our argument that when it comes to healthier food options, consumers are starting to react positively to the benefits. Advancement in technology does not have to mean compromising on taste or health. Food that stays fresher for longer will help reduce food waste, especially in large-scale environments like restaurants and hotels which is a huge positive concerning sustainable practices.Engineered crops, developed through advancements in agricultural biotechnology, play a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by the rapidly increasing human population. These crops are genetically modified to exhibit traits such as enhanced resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses like drought or salinity. Additionally, they can be designed to increase yield, ensuring higher food production per acre of farmland. This innovation is vital as global food demand continues to grow with the population, while arable land remains finite. By improving nutritional content and reducing the need for chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, engineered crops also promote sustainable farming practices, making them an essential tool in combating food insecurity and supporting a growing world.Whilst we still have some work to do in shifting consumer perceptions on blending technology and traditional agriculture, the promise of more nutritious foods and sustainable practices is a powerful motivator. Projecting into 2026, we suspect that arms will be much more open when we can fully see the results and benefits of using technology to our advantage.​Are you looking to advance your Agricultural career, or looking for a place to start? Get in touch!Rachel Richardson | Recruitment Consultant | Agriculture and Rural Rachel@morepeople.co.uk | 01780 480 530​​

​This year’s LAMMA Show was a great experience for the MorePeople team. Held annually, LAMMA has become a cornerstone event for the agricultural sector, showcasing the latest innovations in machinery, technology, and trends. It’s a fantastic opportunity for professionals across the industry to connect, learn, and explore the future of agriculture. Here’s a snapshot of our experience, highlighting insights from two of our team members, Jake and Ryan.Jake’s Perspective: A First-Time Attendee’s Take on Technology and TrendsAs an Engineering Consultant at MorePeople, Jake attended LAMMA for the first time this year. His aim was to gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge advancements shaping the agricultural machinery sector.Why LAMMA?Jake shared, “I came to the LAMMA Show to gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in the agricultural machinery sector. For me as an engineering recruiter, it’s essential to stay up to date with emerging technologies like autonomous machinery and electrification, as these are shaping the future of the industry.”Highlight of the VisitFor Jake, the highlight was seeing innovative technologies in autonomous and electric machinery firsthand. “As someone in recruitment, this is crucial for understanding where the sector is heading and what technical skills will be needed. It’s been exciting to witness these advancements and think about how they’ll impact the types of roles we’ll be recruiting for in the near future,” he said.“The atmosphere at the LAMMA Show was incredibly engaging and forward-thinking, with a real sense of excitement about the innovations on display,” Jake concluded.Ryan’s Perspective: A Leader’s Insight on Networking and ChallengesAs the Agriculture Team Manager at MorePeople, Ryan has a broader view of the industry’s opportunities and challenges. LAMMA 2025 offered him a chance to connect with the agricultural community and glean valuable insights.Networking Opportunities“Heading up the Rural and Agricultural team at MorePeople, I saw LAMMA as a fantastic event to network with current contacts as well as potential new ones,” Ryan said. “Having a whole agricultural and rural network all under one roof is beneficial for us as a team.”Event AtmosphereRyan noted the event’s vibrant energy: “The atmosphere was very upbeat. People of all ages and paths of agriculture seemed to really enjoy networking, looking at new machinery, and exploring trends across the industry.”Challenges and TrendsRyan highlighted some of the pressing challenges facing the industry, such as rising costs and the introduction of new government regulations. “With the price of fertiliser tripling and increases in fuel and machinery costs, the strain on farmers and sustainable food production in the UK is immense,” he explained.However, Ryan was equally optimistic about emerging trends, especially in automation and high-tech equipment. He cited Garford’s latest innovations, including their “inter-row weed recognition tool” and the next-generation Robocrop AI system, as prime examples of how technology is pushing the boundaries of efficiency and precision in farming.Takeaways from LAMMA 2025LAMMA 2025 showcased the resilience, ingenuity, and forward-thinking spirit of the agricultural industry. From the latest advancements in machinery to the invaluable networking opportunities, it was clear that the event serves as a vital hub for driving progress in agriculture.For our team, it was a reminder of the importance of staying connected to the industry’s pulse. The insights gained will undoubtedly shape our approach to recruitment and our understanding of the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.We’re already looking forward to LAMMA 2026 and continuing to be part of this fantastic industry! 

T​IAH launches a virtual work experience programme to cultivate the next generation of farming talent. ​As a specialist recruitment business operating in the Horticulture and Agriculture sectors, we hear the concerns that many of our clients and candidates have when it comes to the next generation of workers. ​The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) have recently released their innovative Virtual Work Experience (VWEX) programs aimed to give the horticulture and agriculture sectors the representation it deserves. ​The programme was made with the input of key stakeholders through the Industry Careers Action Plan (ICAP) group. The main focus of the VWEX programme is to provide young people across the UK with meaningful exposure to careers in farming to cultivate the next generation of the workforce. ​MorePeople CEO Andrew Fitzmaurice was invited to be a part of the programme alongside Ruthie Peterson who is the Careers Manager at TIAH. They discuss Industry Pathways in a ‘Springpod Session.’ Including their own experiences of how they got into the industry, sector-specific qualifications and skillsets ​By using a virtual format, TIAH removes with geographical and financial barriers which have previously limited access to work experience opportunities. Alongside this, it removes long-stand safety concerns which often makes farmers reluctant to host young people for on-site work experience, allowing young people to explore the field of agriculture risk-free. ​The programme features: ​Virtual tours of working farms and facilities Video interviews with professionals across various roles and levels Interactive activities and webinars led by industry experts Information on career pathways and employability skills ​The WVEX programme will be available free of charge to all registered participants until April 2025. ​Stephen Jacob, CEO of TIAH comments;​“Our WVEX opens doors for young people who may have never considered a career in agriculture. By showcasing the cutting-edge technology and sustainability initiatives driving modern farming, we hope to inspire a new generation of diverse talent to enter this vital industry” ​​If you would like more information on TIAH and how to sign up for the Virtual Work Experience programme you can do so byclicking here.

​2023 saw a record year for farm dispersals, second-hand machinery and land sales and halfway through 2024, the trend is showing no sign of abating.  Land sales in 2023 were up by 20%, and in the first quarter of 2024, the figure was already 6% higher than the preceding year. In total, circa 157,000 acres were marketed in 2023.  The figures for farm machinery dispersal sales follow a similar trend, with an East Anglian firm reporting record sales totalling £71m in 2023. Those leaving the industry will be keen to realise the best value for their assets, and with the market for second-hand machinery stronger than ever, a collective sale is often viewed as the best way to dispose of anything from high-value equipment to pallets of bent drying ducts.  Whichever way you look at it, the uptick in both land sales and dispersal sales point to a worrying trend; the UK is losing its farmers. Gov.uk data shows that the total number of people working on agricultural holdings decreased 2.9% between 2022 and 2023. In terms of total holdings, comparing 2018 and 2023 the UK lost circa 9,000 working farms (209,000 down from 218,000).  What does this mean? Experts attribute these trends to the increasingly difficult times in farming, with many farmers opting for retirement or diversification into alternative industries. The reasons behind this shift are multifaceted, but some potential contributing factors include the increasing age of the average farmer, lack of succession planning, and difficulties in finding reliable labour and access to affordable finance. Additionally, the ongoing challenges posed by Brexit, climate change, and environmental regulations may also be driving some farmers to reconsider their involvement in the industry. Some even use the phrase “the three D’s”; death, divorce, debt. As gloomy as this sounds, it isn’t something which should be ignored.  This brings into focus another topic; young farmers and the accessibility of the industry to the younger generations. But that’s something we’ll cover in another blog!  As the number of experienced farmers leaving the industry increases, the loss of knowledge and expertise accumulated over generations could have a significant impact on farming practices, potentially leading to a decline in productivity and competitiveness. Furthermore, rural communities that rely heavily on agriculture may experience a decline in economic activity and population growth. It is crucial for policymakers, agricultural organisations, and farmers themselves to further dive into the root causes of this trend and develop strategies to address the issue. This could involve initiatives to support succession planning, provide training and development opportunities for younger farmers, and promote more affordable access to finance and resources.  MorePeople have recently released a White Paper on Succession Planning, which may be relevant to those struggling to see where the future of their farm lies.

​What have you enjoyed the most? I have enjoyed working with the team and the collaboration that comes with it. The sense of teamwork and shared goals makes every day and every deal incredibly rewarding. What I enjoy most about recruitment is the dynamic nature of the job and the opportunity to match the right candidate with the right position. Building relationships with clients and candidates, understanding their needs, and contributing to their success is gratifying. The fast-paced environment keeps me engaged and motivated. What were your first impressions vs reality? Initially, I underestimated the importance of networking in recruitment. I thought success would primarily depend on individual skills and knowledge. Building a strong network has proven to be important for success and growth. Listening to colleagues in the business and learning from their extensive knowledge of their respective markets through networking is incredibly powerful. This deeper level of engagement has shown me how essential connections and relationships are in achieving success in recruitment. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and provides invaluable insights and support, making it a fundamental aspect of thriving in the recruitment industry. What have you found most challenging?The most challenging aspect has been maintaining consistent communication with everyone involved. Coordinating effectively with clients, candidates, and colleagues requires constant effort and attention. Keeping everyone on the same page can be difficult but essential for smooth operations. Ensuring that updates are timely, expectations are managed, and information flows seamlessly is a demanding task. Despite these challenges, mastering effective communication is crucial for building trust, preventing misunderstandings, and achieving successful outcomes in recruitment. What skills have you used from past experience in recruitment and what new skills are you learning? Social skills from my past experiences have been incredibly important in my recruitment career, especially in building relationships and establishing trust and rapport with clients and candidates. These skills have enabled me to communicate effectively, understand the needs and motivations of others, and foster strong professional connections. Additionally, I am continuously learning a lot about the recruitment industry by speaking to numerous experts and spending time out in the field. This hands-on experience allows me to gain valuable insights into market trends, industry demands, and best practices. How are you tackling learning about the technical side of agriculture and horticulture?I am tackling the technical side of agriculture and horticulture by actively seeking out conversations with knowledgeable professionals in the field. Engaging with experts allows me to gain insights and understanding that are not easily found in books or online resources. I also spend as much time as possible outside the office, learning hands-on by visiting clients and observing their practices firsthand. This practical experience is invaluable in deepening my technical knowledge. Additionally, I make a point to regularly read industry-relevant information such as Farmers Weekly, which keeps me updated on the latest trends and developments. Attending trade shows like Cereals also helps me stay informed about new technologies and innovations. Advice to others?My advice to others looking to start a career in recruitment is to remember that you get out of it what you put into it. Hard work and dedication will always generate the best results. Stay committed, be proactive and continually seek opportunities to learn and grow. Networking and building strong relationships can also make a significant difference, as they open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support. Embrace challenges as learning experiences, and never underestimate the importance of perseverance and a positive attitude in achieving your goals. If you're curious about what a career in recruitment can offer you, call 01780 480 530 or email info@morepeople.co.uk.