Agricultural mentoring programme gains momentum

Cultivate Success, a mentoring initiative for the farming sector, is empowering individuals through a six-month development programme aimed at building resilience, leadership and a sense of community in agriculture.

Developed by Helen Wyman, the project was inspired by her Nuffield Scholarship on mentoring in agriculture after witnessing the benefits of similar schemes across the globe.

See also: Farm organisations urged to sign gender diversity charter

A pilot scheme was run last year and, earlier this month, a second programme kicked off, with 70 “mentors” and “mentees” attending an initial training day in York, focused on developing listening, communication and feedback skills.

Cultivate Success will now use software to match mentees with their mentors based on their personality types.

The pairings will then be supported through their six-month mentoring relationship.

“Mentoring is essential as it builds confidence and resilience, offering a support system that helps individuals navigate challenges,” says Helen.

“It ensures the transfer of valuable knowledge across generations, promoting the adoption of innovative practices and bridging gaps between traditional and modern solutions.”

Participants 

One of the mentees who enrolled in this month’s programme is Liz Tree, 26, a project manager at the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s been fantastic. I learned a lot, it was engaging, and I feel energised about the future,” she says.

“As a young woman in the agricultural sector, you need someone to support you and have faith in you.”

Mark Campbell, knowledge exchange manager at AHDB, took part in last year’s pilot scheme as a mentee, and now returns as a mentor.

“Being mentored pushed me out of my comfort zone and boosted my confidence,” he says.

“Since completing the programme, I’ve seen real successes in my work. I want to give back and share the benefits I gained.”

Looking ahead

Helen has big plans for Cultivate Success, and is working on an advanced mentor course, which she hopes to offer online.

“If it all goes to plan, we hope to create a global network of Cultivate Success alumni and replicate the course in other countries,” she says.

Helen Wyman © Nuffield

Additionally, she plans to create regional representatives across the UK, who will host events to facilitate networking and bring together past mentors and mentees.

Long-term goals include encouraging agri-businesses to nominate mentors, linking the initiative to corporate volunteering hours, and promoting professional development within the industry.

The programme costs £390 for mentees, and is free for mentors.

To find out more, visit the Cultivate Success website.