With its practical emphasis on farming as a potential career, the University of Aberystwyth suggests that an increasing proportion of students returning to the family farm - about 40% of agricultural-based graduates - are also looking for extra employment near the farm to allow them to combine farm work with a career-structured post.

Though the university offers a placement period, agriculture lecturer Iwan Owen reckons relatively few students return to their placement employer.

"Most placements take place on farms without subsequent employment or career opportunities, so students often have to find their own way in sourcing employment."