A young Suffolk farmer has urged others in the county to follow his lead and join a scheme aimed at helping the next generation of agricultural talent to understand better the industry they have chosen.

Tom McVeigh is one of a cohort of young people across the country who were invited to join this year's National Farmers' Union's (NFU) Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Programme.

Now the NFU is seeking applicants for the 2024 scheme so that they can help represent the voice of young people in agriculture.  

The 12-month programme - which has been running successfully for nearly five years - gives younger farmers a chance to "fly the flag" at key agricultural and political events and showcase the industry to the nation.

They also get to learn more about the industry and develop a range of skills.

This year, the application process is a little different to ensure it is accessible for everyone. To apply, prospective ambassadors are asked to send in a video application, giving them the opportunity to show their personality, communications skills and enthusiasm for farming.

Tom, who is taking over the family's 450 acre arable and livestock operation at Kenton Hall, near Debenham, from his father, David McVeigh, said it was a worthwhile scheme.

"I think the thing is that the changes that are happening in farming today are going to affect my entire life," he said.

"I signed onto it because I think it's really important to get the voices of my generation hard in the NFU."

Among the highlights of his programme - which run to the end of this year - have been media training, visiting Parliament and having a question and answer session with MPs. He is due to return there to learn more.

"I think it's actually been a really useful and inspiring programme to be part of because everyone cares as well. It's not a gimmick at all.

"It's helped me in understanding my industry better. The reason I did it was to get more involved in policy and I fell I have had a leg up to understand farming is such a small industry you can actually move from the bottom to the top very quickly."

His farm is taking part in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and diversifying into walnuts and hazelnuts and chickens. "Last year was my first year making decisions regarding what was happening," he said.

He is being supported by his father in the transition to the next generation, he added. 

NFU President Minette Batters said it offered a "brilliant opportunity" to develop your knowledge of food and farming, while helping to garner public support for British agriculture.

"It runs alongside our other programmes, including the Poultry Industry Programme, Cereals Development Programme and Sugar Industry Programme to support the next generation.

“Student & Young Farmer Ambassadors play an instrumental role in engaging and educating young people, representing the voice and views of young farmers and highlighting the work that needs to be done to raise our domestic food security up the political agenda.

“Over the past four years, we’ve been fortunate to have outstanding ambassadors who have gone on to achieve remarkable things, and I would encourage anyone thinking about applying to take up the excellent opportunity.

"I am immensely proud of the programme’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, as embracing diversity is vital for the success of any industry and we welcome anyone who is passionate about agriculture and wants to champion the future of farming.”

Student & Young Farmer Ambassador Hannah Cuthbert 2022/23 said: “The Student and Young Farmer Ambassador Programme has connected me with amazing individuals who share my passion for agriculture. Together, we’ve shared ideas, discussed our vision for the future of British farming and made a tangible impact over the past year. The programme has also provided opportunities to attend fantastic events, share my experiences and boost my confidence along the way.” 

Applicants for the new scheme must be aged between 18 and 30 on January 1, 2023.