From Lincolnshire Fields to Australian Harvests: Hannah Cuthbert's Unique Path into Agriculture
Meet Hannah Cuthbert, a Recruitment Consultant in MorePeople’s rural team. Her route into agriculture wasn’t a conventional one, but it’s this refreshing perspective and varied experience that make her story one of genuine curiosity, grit, and growth.
In the latest episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, Managing Director Richard Hanwell sat down with Hannah to explore how someone without a traditional farming background found her way into the sector, and why she’s so passionate about its future.
Falling for Farming – From Curiosity to Career
Growing up in Lincolnshire, Hannah was surrounded by farming landscapes but not directly connected to them. A sporty and theatrical teenager, it wasn’t until she started spending time with farming family friends and getting dragged along to Young Farmers meetings that the spark ignited.
“I remember being in a field thinking, what does that machine even do? Why don’t I know this stuff?”
That curiosity led her to immerse herself in the Young Farmers community, where she realised many others felt the same disconnection from the food system yet shared a desire to learn.
Politics, Policy & Poultry: An Unlikely Journey
Despite her growing interest in farming, Hannah chose to study Politics at university. But rather than being a detour, it became a powerful lens for understanding how deeply connected food, farming, and policy truly are.
From studying American and Russian politics to examining UK food policy and the supply chain during the cost of living crisis, Hannah made it her mission to highlight how political decisions directly impact agriculture and our access to food.
Gritty Gigs and Learning the Hard Way
Hannah’s hands-on introduction to farm work wasn’t exactly glamorous, her first job was collecting dead chickens and eggs at age 16.
“It wasn’t great when your mates were at pool parties and you were knee-deep in chicken muck, but it taught me a lot.”
From there, her path weaved through placements at Brown & Co, lab roles in grain logistics, and eventually, operating tractors and helping with harvests, learning every step of the way.
Many of these opportunities came from pure perseverance. She even offered to work on farms for free just to gain experience.
Taking on Australia—And Finding Perspective
When the UK harvest turned out to be a washout, Hannah decided (on a bit of a whim) to take a working holiday visa and head to Australia.
“I found a job on Facebook. The farm looked decent... next thing I know, I was out there.”
What she found was a vastly different farming culture. Huge operations, more efficient logistics, and a public that had a much greater appreciation for where their food came from.
One standout contrast?
“In the UK, we complain when a tractor holds us up. In Australia, the grain silos are visible for miles - it’s a source of pride.”
Back in the UK: Sharing, Learning & Leading
Hannah is a passionate advocate for helping others find their way into agriculture, particularly young people who don’t come from traditional rural backgrounds.
She now heads up our Young People in Food & Farming programme, a growing network of under-30s across the East of England who come together to share knowledge, make connections, and explore the sector in creative ways.
“Whether you’re a farmer, a rural surveyor, or just curious, it’s about giving people space to talk, learn, and collaborate.”
What’s Next: Future Farming & Sustainability
Most recently, Hannah was selected for the prestigious Future Farming Programme by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University. A nine-month leadership course bringing together voices from all corners of the sector.
The programme explores:
Regenerative agriculture
Food system sustainability
Bridging the gaps between farmers, supply chains, and retailers
“I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in, not being a farmer, but the cohort includes consultants, agronomists, and more. It’s all about collaboration.”
Final Thoughts: Lessons from the Land
Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder that agriculture isn't just about tractors and mud, it’s about people, politics, and purpose.
Whether it's improving public understanding of where food comes from, navigating life without subsidies, or helping the next generation find their way into the sector, Hannah brings empathy and drive to everything she touches.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in agriculture, whether you come from a farm or not, there’s a place for you here.
