This is me, I'm Tim. Here's the boring stuff; I am a 3rd year Agriculture student, 98 days away from the end of my final set of exams, does't sound that long does it?!
The only negative side of things is that it is the end of uni (although I cant wait till I finsh) and it will mean entering the real world. I've found this course very tough, some very ugly science, but to date I have pulled through... But these challenges will be nothing in comparison to those that I will be facing in the next few years in agriculture....
Agriculture... agriculture as a career? Some people have said I'm crazy (though no one has said that for a while now - either i dont dont know many more people, or they dont think its quite such a crazy idea any more). Well they are right, I am crazy. Crazy about farming.
Since further back than I can remember I've loved it, my parents have told me how I used to follow my dad accross the yard to the tractor, only to be promptly dragged back kicking and screaming. Always loved FW, anything to do with farming. Started tractor driving at 13. Loved it. As I got older it became just more than a love for tractors, it became a passion for agriculture as a whole, the crops, the agronomy. In the last few years it has really been useful having my uncle talk me through various decisions and methods of farming the land, helping to apply the science I learned in practice.
I wasnt really sure what I wanted to be, i just knew I wanted to be in farming somehow. The farm at home isnt really sufficient for me to go back to in various ways. I have always known this so I told myself if I wanted a career in agriculture, I had to make it myself. Various ideas were banded about, land agent, agronomist, farm business consultant.... farm manager. Having done a bit of business studies at school, and some economics at uni, I wasnt so sure about the farm manager option, but as uni progressed we learned more theory, and it put me off even more... But then in the last year or so it has clicked. My research project out in the field has shown me all the ins and outs of the science, and new modules I have done where the business priciples we had learned were put into agriculture through case studies, that was it, I knew where I wanted to be.
How though? Not a clue to begin with... I started doing my research and found that companies offered management training schemes, these seemed like the perfect thing for me to convert my science into practice, and well. I knew I'd have to start from the bottom, and these schemes have a bit of a reputation as being a source for for cheap labour, but sometimes you have to start from the ground. So yes, that is where I am today, finding out about the various schemes and in contact with the companies. I dont know if any of them are on here so I'm not naming names....
This is the start of my farming dream. I guess my ultimate dream is to have my own farm with my special lady, but who doesnt?! It may be unlikely, but that is my ambition that i will strive for in life.
So thats the formailities out of the way... Thank you for reading and hope it didnt bore you too much!
New phone on monday to replace my new rubbish one! Yay!
All the best
Tim