When I am not recruiting within the agricultural space, it's likely that you will find me at various industry events, conferences or just immersed in the sector!

My membership with the Society of Agriculture (SocAg) is a vital part of this. It ensures I stay at the forefront of industry news, provides a platform for continuous professional development, and builds the trust necessary to support the farming community effectively. In this Q&A, I share a bit more about my journey with the Society and why staying 'industry-active' is the key to successful recruitment.

Q: How does SocAg membership help you in your current role?

If I give you a little bit of background, I am a recruitment consultant specialising in the agricultural space. I have a background working on multiple farms both in the UK and Australia, and I hold a degree in Politics from Manchester Metropolitan University, where I focused on agricultural policy.

SocAg supports me in my career by providing up-to-date information and industry news. It also gives me the opportunity to extend my professional network and better support both candidates and businesses in their recruitment and job searches. Farming can be a complex sector to recruit into, and being a member of the Society gives both candidates and clients confidence that I can be trusted and that I have a strong understanding of, and experience within, the industry.

There is an extensive knowledge base to learn from, alongside access to CPD training and a variety of events throughout the year. Networking opportunities are particularly important in my role, and continuing to build and develop these relationships is fundamental.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years?

In the next five to ten years, I want to be able to look back knowing that I have made the most of the opportunities available to me. I aim to continue my professional development and make full use of the programmes, formal qualifications and opportunities on offer, ensuring that I continue to grow my network and strengthen working relationships across the industry.

I’m extremely grateful to those within SocAg and in my wider network, who have continued to support me. I hope to be able to do the same for upcoming members over the next few years and beyond too.

Q: How do you get involved with SocAg and how does it benefit you?

As a relatively new member of the Society, having joined in 2024, I am grateful for a membership that allows me to learn, develop and flourish within the industry.

I try to attend as many local meetings as possible, whether branch meetings or farm walks. The annual Conference is always a highlight, with a real buzz around the future of farming shared by members. It is an exciting time for the industry, and making use of the Society’s knowledge base while meeting other members in person is incredibly valuable.

Q: What would you say to any young person considering joining SocAg?

There are plenty of opportunities to become well established in this industry relatively quickly, and utilising memberships such as SocAg is one of the best ways to do so. Knowledge exchange between members at different stages of their careers, along with opportunities to attend branch meetings and farm walks, all contribute to this.

The annual reviews and training programmes also support continuous development and learning. SocAg provides valuable opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

I am always keen to help get young people into the industry, and I head up the Young People in Food and Farming group here at MorePeople! You can find out more by clicking here.