From Fields to Future: Farming Innovation and Career Advice with Nick Shorter of Velcourt
Welcome toThe MorePeople Podcast, where we spotlight leaders and insights shaping the future of food, farming, and recruitment. In this episode, Andrew Fitzmaurice, CEO at MorePeople, sits down with Nick Shorter, Managing Director of Velcourt, one of the UK’s leading farming companies. From career journeys to innovation in agriculture, here’s what you need to know from this insightful conversation.
Who Is Nick Shorter?
Nick Shorter is the very definition of a Velcourt success story. Joining the company via their management training scheme in 2001, Nick has worked his way through multiple roles, eventually taking on leadership of Velcourt’s UK farming operations. Today, he oversees over 120 farming businesses across the UK in everything from arable crops and fresh produce to livestock and dairy.
Despite growing up in rural Dorset, Nick didn’t come from a farming background. His career in agriculture was sparked by early work experience on a local farm and a chance encounter with Velcourt. A story that proves how opportunity and curiosity can go a long way in building a meaningful career in farming.
Breaking the Farming Stereotype
A significant topic discussed was the diversity of talent entering agriculture today. Historically, farming has drawn from a relatively narrow pool often relying on those with deep-rooted family ties to the land. But things are changing.
“Only about a third of our new hires come from traditional farming backgrounds,” says Nick. “The rest bring in skills from finance, business, or even the military.”
This approach brings balance: those with a deep understanding of farming are paired with others who excel in leadership, strategy, and operational efficiency. The result is a stronger, more well-rounded team, ready to handle the evolving challenges of modern agriculture.
Volatility and the Changing Landscape
One of the biggest shifts Nick has witnessed in his two decades at Velcourt is the increased volatility in agriculture. From extreme weather events to massive swings in input and output prices, farming today is less predictable than ever.
“Fifteen years ago, we could build a five-year plan and expect to stick to it. Now, you’re lucky if it lasts six months.”
This level of uncertainty demands dynamic thinking and flexible strategies, skills that are becoming as essential as agronomy itself.
Innovation at the Heart of Velcourt
Velcourt has always embraced innovation, not just as a buzzword but as a core part of its identity.
“Innovation is in our DNA,” Nick says. “We’ve always internalised R&D and shared learnings across the business.”
From adopting technology that reduces reliance on synthetic inputs to rethinking business structures entirely, Velcourt is leading the charge in sustainable, commercially viable food production.
Nick highlights two major areas of future innovation:
Technological Transformation: Tools that enable precision farming, reduce carbon footprints, and support environmental stewardship.
Business Model Evolution: Creative structures that help farms stay agile in a shifting marketplace.
Importantly, these changes are not just top-down from retailers, they’re being driven by farmers themselves, who care deeply about efficiency, the environment, and long-term viability.
Clarkson’s Farm: Awareness Through Entertainment
Pop culture isn’t always associated with agriculture, but Clarkson’s Farm has changed that.
“No farming show has hit the spot quite like Clarkson’s Farm,” Nick admits. “It blends entertainment with real insight into the challenges farmers face.”
While it may dramatise aspects for the sake of TV, the show has undeniably brought farming into mainstream conversation, raising awareness among people who might never otherwise consider a career in the sector.
Advice to a 24-Year-Old Nick
To wrap up the episode, Nick shares the advice he’d give his younger self and it’s relevant to anyone forging a career today:
Take People With You
Success isn’t a solo journey. Uplift your team, support your boss, and focus on collective progress. The more successful your colleagues are, the stronger your own position becomes.
Climb More Mountains
Literally and metaphorically. Don’t get so wrapped up in work that you forget to enjoy life or take time to recharge. As Nick wisely notes, climbing mountains only gets harder with age.
Final Thoughts
From a non-farming teenager in Dorset to Managing Director of one of the UK's largest farming companies, Nick Shorter's journey is a testament to the opportunities agriculture offers to those with drive and curiosity. At a time when the industry faces both massive challenges and exciting change, voices like his remind us that innovation, adaptability, and teamwork are more vital than ever.
