Nuffield ‘Next-Gen’ scholarship application deadline looms
© The Social Farmhouse Fully funded Nuffield Farming Next-Gen Scholarships are available for a third year, offering UK-wide dairy and regenerative agriculture programmes in 2026 for young people aged 18-24.
The initiative is designed to inspire, challenge and connect the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Six scholarships are up for grabs, with three places available in dairy and three in regenerative agriculture, which is being introduced for the first time this year.
The closing date for applications is Saturday 31 January.
See also: Nuffield tour shows a way ahead for ‘bleak’ potato sector
Each scholarship includes a 30-day study tour taking place in June and July 2026.
Successful applicants will spend a month travelling with Nuffield alumni, gaining exposure to practical farming systems, innovation and leadership development.
The programme is designed to provide insight into the future of farming while connecting participants with the wider Nuffield Farming network.
Bronagh Dempster, a 2024 Dairy Next-Gen Scholar, has since begun her own farming enterprise and described the role of the scholarship in her progression.
She said: “I’ve signed my first lease for a small parcel of land – despite all the people that say you can’t go into farming without a farming family. Small beginnings, but it’s a start and I am hoping to scale from here.”
“I credit this mostly to the scholarship. The people that told me I can, the people that showed me I can and the people that have advised me ever since.”
Full scholarships
Applications for full Nuffield Farming Scholarships will also open soon.
These are available to individuals aged 25-45 who are based in the UK and working within, or influencing, farming, food, horticulture, rural or associated industries.
An online open evening for potential applicants for both scholarship programmes will take place on Tuesday 20 January 2026 at 6.30pm, featuring contributions from Charlotte Merson and Amy Stoner, 2024 Returning Scholar Trustee.
To apply, or find out more about either the Next-Gen or full Nuffield Scholarship, email charlotte@nuffieldscholar.org.
Bitesize guide
Produced by the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust in partnership with the Royal Agricultural Society of England (Rase), a new Bitesize Guide New entrants and young farmers – making a start in farming is available to download free of charge.
It draws on insights from Nuffield Farming scholars, each of whom has spent at least eight weeks travelling internationally to investigate the realities of getting started in farming.
The guide sets out practical routes into the industry, explains the benefits and drawbacks of different land tenure options, and highlights the mindset, skills and support networks needed to succeed.
It brings together key messages, real-world case studies and clear action points, supported by a wide range of additional sources of help and information.