Farming futures

People with experience in the farming, fisheries and agricultural businesses are being sought to pass on their experience to young people wanting to become the food producers of the future.

Shuttleworth College, established more than 75 years ago and with a reputation that circles the globe, is in need of new teachers in a wide range of farming fields. A dedicated information stand to welcome those interested in becoming teachers will be set up at a student recruitment event at the Old Warden campus 5.00-8.00pm on Thursday April 20th.

Full teacher training will be given, including for those who don’t have degrees or other formal qualifications, to allow them to step up in front of the class.

Shuttleworth College, part of The Bedford College Group, offers a wide range employment-orientated courses across all areas of the farming industry and needs people who have real life work practise to join their team. The farm area is undergoing a £2 Million refurbishment to enhance teaching facilities.

Here are a few who swapped the green fields, or mud, for life in a warm classroom and fresh air working farm training environment:

Martin Tyler has just moved on to campus after a career in pig farming, agricultural and land and environment.

Dr Tudor Dawkins has come out of retirement to teach after a career in crop protection with global giant DuPont and ProCam UK, and before that lecturing at the University of Nottingham:

“I have always enjoyed communicating knowledge to others and thought it would be interesting to revisit the subject areas I have enjoyed during my career and offer some practical advice on a range of subjects one might need to consider in a job in agriculture.”

Harry Tearle who studied wildlife conservation at university and worked in the land industry, and Ryan Barnett, a former Shuttleworth College student who worked in beef and arable farming for two years both now show students the ropes on machinery and more.

Leading Lecturer Anne-Marie Hamilton, and her trusty assistant Blue, the sheepdog, have been a feature of the Kingshill Farm at Shuttleworth for nearly a decade. They are leaving in the summer to run the family sheep and cattle farm in Norfolk. Both will be missed by the many students who have trained alongside them.