Young want to stay in country
Young want to stay in country
By Tim Relf
FARMINGS woes have failed to dent young peoples determination to forge careers in the countryside, FARMERS WEEKLYs Next Generation Survey has revealed.
Four-fifths of those from rural backgrounds still planned to work in rural-related occupations, despite big concerns about low pay, long hours and government interference.
The independent survey, which polled over 700 16- to 30-year-olds, also showed more than 50% naming farmer, farm worker or farm manager as their intended choice.
"Farming is in my blood – its all I want to do," said 24-year-old John Atkinson.
The "fantastic" way of life and personal rewards from rearing stock are two of the appeals. "No two days are ever the same," said Mr Atkinson. "I want to pass on the skills I learned from my parents and the generations before them."
"Its my life," said 28-year-old Huw Jones. "Ive been born a farmer, Im good at it and I work hard. Its something I love doing – its not easy to change."
"Its all I have ever wanted to do," said Phil Warham, 28. The current problems have, said Mr Warham, made him worry about the industry. "But you always hope it will come better sometime. I havent faltered from what I want to do."
But the survey showed the next generation harboured worries about such choices. Pessimism was widespread about pay levels, with 14% considering salaries insufficient to live on and a further 48% considering that pay was low.
Government also took a drubbing, with more than 40% considering it to be destructive towards British agriculture.
The findings seemingly contradicted suggestions that the next generation was walking away en masse from the countryside – but for many, now is a time of soul-searching.
Andrew Rees, 23, said: "Ive always considered myself to be the textbook farmers son. Ive worked at home and away from home, travelled abroad and got a college education. I would like to return to the farm and expand and improve in my lifetime but at present it is really hard to retain any optimism for the job.
"It was all Ive ever wanted to do – but now Im questioning all the decisions Ive made in my life, wondering if Im going on completely the right track," added Mr Rees.
The survey shows nearly 60% of those planning to work in a career unconnected to the countryside had once wanted a rural-related occupation but had changed their mind.