​Recently, our Chairman and Founder, Guy Moreton, joined the Society of Agriculture as a member. Following that, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Society, and what really stood out to me wasn’t just their ambition as a professional body but the practical steps they’re taking to support future talent in the industry.

The Society of Agriculture is an independent professional body for agricultural excellence, formed in 2026 through a collaborative merger of the BIAC and IAgrM.

The Current Outlook

There’s a lot of talk about supporting and developing the next generation within the industry, and it’s a topic I’m really passionate about. What’s encouraging is that the Society of Agriculture are actively playing its part in making this happen.

One of the biggest challenges we see across both agriculture and horticulture is a lack of belief around earning potential, alongside unclear career pathways.

There is no shortage of opportunity, but there is often a lack of:

·         Structured personal development

·         Internal, planned progression

·         Accessible leadership training   

This can make it difficult for people to see what their future looks like in the industry, which can lead to unhappiness in the workplace or people leaving the industry altogether.

Industry knowledge and technical expertise are, of course, incredibly important. However, I often see these as the sole focus. The reality is that transferable “business” skills, such as people management, communication, and strategic thinking, are equally as critical.

 What the Society of Agriculture Are Doing

What’s particularly encouraging is the Society’s clear focus on practical, real‑world development, rather than just theory.

They are offering a range of opportunities across different stages of a career.

Starting Early – Building the Leadership Pipeline

One of the most important aspects of the Society’s approach is its focus on early‑career development. 

A new Emerging Leaders Programme (currently being developed in partnership with the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs) aims to:

·         Introduce leadership development earlier

·         Build confidence and communication skills

·         Provide clearer progression routes into senior roles

·         Strengthen the long-term leadership pipeline

This is a really important shift.

If we want better leaders in the future, we need to start developing them earlier, not wait until individuals are already in senior roles or expect them to simply “learn as they go.”

Rural Consultancy Courses

These courses are designed for early‑career individuals and consultants looking to develop, offering two clear stages of progression:

Foundation Course: aimed at those starting their careers, covering core consultancy skills, and introducing the variety of routes within consultancy.

Development Course: designed for those with some experience, focusing on advanced communication and strategic thinking.

For me, the Foundation Course stands out as it gives people a great overview of the consultancy sector as a whole, which helps everyone.

Farm Management Skills Programme

This programme stood out to me in particular as it appeals to a wide audience, not just those in farming roles, but anyone involved in managing people or operations.

Across eight focused modules, it covers:

·         Personal development

·         Communication and confidence

·         Influencing skills

·         People management

·         Finance, risk, and agreements

·         Future farming strategy

This isn’t just about farming; it’s about running a business and leading a team effectively.

Leadership Development Programme

This programme is aimed at those already in management roles, with a focus on developing future leaders within the industry. It includes:

·         Leadership presence and confidence

·         Strategic thinking

·         Understanding policy, trade, and research

·         Building sector-wide networks 

It’s about preparing individuals to not just to succeed in their role, but to help shape the future of the sector.

So, Why Is This Important?

From a recruitment perspective, we speak to people every day who are questioning whether their current role is the right fit.

Some of the most common reasons behind this include:

·         Lack of clear career progression

·         Limited development opportunities

·         Feeling like their employers are not investing in them fully

At the same time, employers are facing challenges around attracting, retaining, and developing talent. 

Closing that gap isn’t just about hiring; it’s about investing in people, creating clear pathways, and building confidence at every stage of a career.

There are clear ways to bridge this gap, and initiatives like those from the Society of Agriculture are a positive step in the right direction. This isn’t just about training programmes; it’s about creating a more structured, professional, and forward‑thinking industry.

Because ultimately, the future of agriculture depends on the people within it, and how well we support them to grow.