Agriculture

As a Recruitment Consultant within the Rural Sector, I spend a great deal of time discussing certain barriers and challenges that our clients may be facing. Recently, I have been speaking with Poultry Farmers, and the same topic is brought up without hesitation…bird flu. It is clearly having a major impact, so I thought it was a good time to collate together how bird flu is affecting the food and agriculture sector and subsequently how recruitment is moulding to the unique needs of the poultry industry.The Current Picture in the UKBird flu or Avian Influenza has been dominating headlines for good reason. The virus has continued to affect both wild and domestic bird populations. More recently, it has even been detected in other species. In March 2025, The Guardian reported the world’s first known case of bird flu in sheep, and just a month earlier, four seals were found dead from the virus along the Norfolk coast. The boundaries of this disease are evidently shifting.Back in November 2024, the UK government confirmed the presence of the H5N5 strain in commercial poultry, triggering culling and the creation of protection zones. The following February, the country faced a grim milestone — seabird populations in some areas had dropped by as much as 75% due to the virus. This sharp decline underscored just how deeply bird flu is affecting wildlife, farming, and biodiversity.The Current Biosecurity Landscape (as of April 2025)To combat the ongoing threat, the UK government has implemented several wide-reaching biosecurity measures:Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ): The entire UK is under this zone, requiring strict biosecurity protocols for all bird keepers.Mandatory Housing Measures: Certain regions (including Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and more) require all kept birds to be housed indoors to prevent wild bird contact.Enhanced Biosecurity Protocols: These include rodent control, disinfection procedures, using protective clothing and equipment, and limiting access to bird areas.DEFRA continues to advise vigilance, urging bird keepers to monitor for symptoms and report any concerns immediately. Despite the low public health risk, authorities are closely monitoring the situation in case of virus mutations that could increase human transmission risk.Operational and Economic Consequences on Businesses:The outbreak of bird flu has resulted in hundreds of thousands of birds being culled, affecting both egg and meat supply. This, in turn, has increased consumer prices and catalysed supply chain disruption. Housing orders, pest control, and additional protective equipment have created a real financial burden, especially for smaller producers. Additionally, export restrictions and insurance difficulties have already added pressure on stretched operations. Not to mention labour and welfare issues…staff shortages, mental strain, and animal welfare concerns are increasingly common as birds are kept indoors for extended periods of time.Vaccination: Is It the Future?Vaccination is a hot topic right now, with countries like France, China, and the Netherlands making strides in mass poultry vaccination strategies. Notably, the Dutch government began a pilot vaccination program in March 2025 following the promising field trial results, which showed that vaccinated birds remained disease-free and did not transmit the virus.Still, there are caveats: vaccination can complicate surveillance efforts and affect export eligibility, so countries like the UK and U.S. are proceeding cautiously.What Does This Mean for Recruitment?All of this change — from disease control to vaccination strategy — is having a real impact on recruitment within the poultry industry. We are seeing candidates who are skilled in Biosecurity, managing disease risk, adhering to safety protocols and implementing prevention strategies are highly sought after. Moreover, professionals who display a range of operational flexibility are also in demand. With the uncertainty of bird flu, Farm Managers are looking to hire those who are open to flexibility and not scared of change. In particular, changes in regulation or environment, like shifting from the outdoor to indoor housing of animals during outbreaks is key. With instances of bird-to-human transmission, such as the confirmed case of H5N1 in a UK poultry worker in January 2025, there's a growing emphasis on training, PPE use, and occupational health policies. Candidates must be aware of this and be willing to undertake efficient training.Unfortunately, the negative implications of outbreaks and culls can lead to temporary layoffs or a reduced hiring demand. As the situation continues to evolve, so too does the type of talent the industry needs. It's more important than ever for employers to hire not just for experience, but for resilience, awareness, and adaptability. On that note, if you do need assistance in hiring talent who will be equipped for what the future may hold, please reach out to me! ​Rachel Richardson | Rural Recruitment Consultantrachel@morepeople.co.uk07701 387 732Contact meGet to know me 

The short-term let market has transformed the way we stay-cation, opening doors (literally) to incredible stays in the UK countryside, from cosy cottages to quirky converted barns. By offering travellers convenient, private short stays, it has created both opportunities and challenges for local communities. On the upside, in some cases, short-term lets have provided a lifeline for rural homeowners and small businesses. Renting out spare rooms or holiday properties is a (relatively) easy way to generate extra income in areas where jobs are often scarce. Visitors also spend money in the local economy - pubs, cafes, shops, and attractions - injecting much-needed revenue into the community.  Then there’s the boost to tourism. Lesser-known destinations are now on the map thanks to platforms promoting hidden gems, drawing more people off the beaten track (opinion is divided on whether this is always a positive thing!) These visitors often create a ripple effect, encouraging friends and family to explore these charming spots too. It’s argued that the market for short-term letting has increased the popularity of holidays in the UK, funnelling more money back into the UK economy instead of abroad. It’s generally a win-win for rural and wider-UK tourism. Short-term lets have also contributed to the preservation of our agricultural architectural heritage. Many farm buildings with historical or architectural significance, which might be considered ‘redundant’ in modern farming, have been converted into holiday accommodation, giving them a new lease of life. Without this relatively straightforward route to return on capital - often far outstripping standard ASTs or even outright sale - some could have fallen into disrepair. However, navigating strict planning regulations for such conversions can be a challenge for property owners, though the rewards of restoration are nearly always worth the effort. But not everything is rosy. Housing availability is a key concern; with more homes and newly converted buildings being used as short-term rentals, it has become harder for local families to find affordable housing, straining community ties. Similarly, the conversion of farm steadings into holiday homes takes them out of availability for agricultural use, creating hurdles for new entrants into farming. Young or aspiring farmers need affordable steadings, and smaller farms with slightly outdated facilities are often the perfect place to start. Losing these options poses a risk to the sustainability of the farming sector. Environmental concerns are also mounting. More visitors mean more strain on local resources and infrastructure, from water and waste systems to the erosion of natural landscapes. It is vital to ensure tourism does not harm the very countryside that draws people in. Finally, inconsistent regulations around short-term lets create confusion. While some councils embrace the sector, others are still trying to catch up. Clearer, fairer guidelines could help balance the benefits for property owners with the needs of local communities. The verdict? The short-term let market impact on the UK’s rural economy is a real mixed bag. On the one hand, it has brought in extra cash for locals, boosted tourism, and helped breathe new life into heritage buildings. On the other hand, it has driven up housing costs, put pressure on resources, and sometimes created challenges for the very communities it helps on other occasions. Striking the right balance is crucial, and that means open and honest conversations between communities, councils, and hosts. By working together, we can ensure short-term lets continue to support rural areas without taking away what makes them so special.​On that note, I am here to help with your rural recruitment needs...get in touch for a confidential chat!Max Johnsonmax@morepeople.co.uk01780 480 530

The recent Brassica Conference was a fantastic opportunity to bring together key professionals from across the agricultural industry to discuss the latest developments in technology, research, and market trends. With an impressive lineup of speakers covering a broad range of topics, the event provided valuable insights into the future of the sector.Hannah and I were invited to speak at the event to share insights on recruitment within the agricultural sector. This was an invaluable opportunity to engage with industry professionals, expand our network, and discuss how recruitment challenges and opportunities are shaping the future of agriculture. Beyond our own presentation, the conference offered a wealth of knowledge from experts across different areas of the industry. I felt it was an amazing opportunity to attend due to the networking opportunity,  a chance to give a detailed overview of recruitment to the industry and have the exposure of meeting some incredible people in the industry.  Key Themes from the ConferenceFrom political updates with NFU Deputy President, David Exwood, to robotic advancements in precision agriculture with Tom Beach from Autonomous Agri Solutions, a broad range of industry topics were discussed.Rosemary Collier from the University of Warwickshire presented research which focused on the management of pest insects in horticultural crops using approaches that minimise impact on the environment. Alix Morley from the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) – shared their ambitious education programme and also highlighted their two annual awareness campaigns – Farm Safety Week and Mind Your Head – helping to make our farms safer places to both work and live.Dan Morley from Veg Power spoke about their campaign and how it reaches into the homes of 46 million people and the primary schools of 1,000,000 pupils, with 59% of parents and kids saying they ate more vegetables as a result. The campaign has so far increased vegetable sales by 1.4 billion children’s portions. Veg Power also supports parents to improve their children’s diet through their Simply Veg channels.I learnt that the industry is incredibly passionate about growing quality produce in the UK. David Exwood from the NFU really stood out to me. He spoke passionately and optimistically about the industry despite the current challenges of the political and agricultural climate. Our role at the conferenceHannah and I shared insights into recruitment within the agriculture industry along with the challenges and opportunities faced. We also spoke about succession planning and why it is vital in agriculture, whilst covering topics such as best practices and how to attract the best talent.A key takeaway from the conference is how the current challenges and negative press surrounding the industry make it less appealing to young people. Removing these barriers encourages deeper reflection on how to attract top talent at a grassroots level. Other key challenges discussed included work-life balance, well-being, and salaries—all of which play a crucial role in drawing talent to the industry. If my team and I can help you in the world of agricultural recruitment, then please get in touch!Ryan Bainborough | Team Manager | Agriculture & RuralRyan@morepeople.co.uk | 01780 480 530 Get to know me here!

Rae recently caught up with David Watson, a Seed Specialist at Nickerson Seeds to hear how the first 14 months have been in his new job role. Interviewing professionals within the sectors we recruit for provides us with valuable, first-hand insights into the realities of work. It helps us to share what necessary skills are required for success, whilst casting light onto the day-to-day requirements of the job. We find these resources to be useful for those wanting to get their foot into this industry; what better way to learn about a role than from someone working it?What is your role and how long have you been in this area of work?I have been working in the Agricultural industry for 42 years – working in the supply chain for the last 6 years. I had a brief spell in the biomass industry but now I have been with Nickerson Seeds as a seed specialist for 10 months. What does a typical day look like in your role?I start by checking overnight messages which include the sales figures from the previous day. I usually take care of any admin which includes customer relationship management (CRM) and then I am off out onto the farm to talk to farmers to advise, and hopefully sell, the correct seed for their situation. Some mornings are earlier starts, with no admin depending on travelling distance. The role involves a lot of driving so it is important to plan the best logistical route, although in fairness this can be quite difficult depending on priorities etc. Depending on the amount of travel, I can visit between 4 and 8 farmers a day although 4 is more realistic. On arrival home, I always check orders that I might have put in remotely and try to do any relevant CRM.Usually, one day a week is spent in the office, splitting the day however is convenient. For example, 2 half days but about 8hrs /week to plan, complete functional admin like car mileage, chase up orders and keeping abreast of new products and techniques, internal meetings etc. At busier times this might double to 2 days / week.What skills, qualifications or experience are essential for someone in your position?A real interest in and understanding of agricultural production is probably the main attribute for anyone in this role over and above any qualification. Dealing with new varieties and crop systems, as well as changes to support, means that you do need to accept that it is a case of constant learning and continuous development. After that, you will need a strong personality with the ability to speak politely and authoritatively about how the Nickerson portfolio can enhance the grower's system and improve their profitability. Not being afraid of walking up an unknown farm drive can be quite daunting, but in reality, it is very rare not to receive a warm welcome even without an appointment.  In terms of formal qualifications, I do have a BSc in Agriculture, as well as BASIS & FACTS accreditation. There is no doubt that these qualifications do help towards continuous development, but also being perceived as “knowledgeable” by the customer, and showing you are able to discuss matters on an equal footing to competition and agronomists is equally important.What are the biggest challenges you face in your job?The biggest challenge would be the ‘competition’ who are often cheaper. This makes it difficult to put over our message of a superior brand, selling superior seed, with a superior service, mainly because of the difficult economic position agriculture finds itself in. It becomes difficult to market at a premium price. The other challenge is the constant changes to agricultural support mechanisms favouring some production systems and disadvantaging others - as well as changes to laws and regulations. A bigger challenge, and opportunity, is of course climate change!What do you enjoy most about your job?From being part of a widely skilled team, working from the inception of a new genetic material, all the way through to selling this material on the farm as seed. This means that I can speak to a range of different colleagues who are passionate about their jobs and can give boundless help, advice and support. Also just being out on a farm – especially on a cracking day. Talking to farmers looking after their animals and crops whilst having that feeling that they value your advice and are pleased with the products you have supplied. What are the career opportunities in this industry?There are many opportunities to move higher up the ladder both at Nickerson and the parent company Limagrain. In my situation, I enjoy my job to the point where promotion within Nickerson isn’t necessarily of much interest to me, but I am more than happy to take on other areas of responsibility. For example, I cover Northumberland - Durham – Cumbria –& N.Yorks,  I also look after the northern area vining pea business from East Yorkshire up to Perth. ​Rae recruits for a variety of commercial positions within the agriculture, horticulture and garden industries – Seed Sales Specialists included!If you are looking for your next adventure then get in touch with Rae, you can reach her on 01780 480 530 or rae@morepeople.co.uk ​

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​​