Rural-professionals

​I recently had the privilege of spending two eye-opening days in Shropshire, diving deep into the inner workings of our food supply chain — from the soil to the supermarket shelf. It was a brilliant experience that brought to life just how much effort, precision, and teamwork it takes to deliver fresh food to our tables.This was part of the Future Farmer Programme I’m currently undertaking with Harper Adams University and sponsored by Tesco. Applications have just opened for next years cohort, and I’d really recommend the programme to anyone in the sector. You can find out more and apply here.Day 1: From Field to Factory at PDM ProduceOur journey began at PDM Produce (UK) Ltd, where an astonishing 60 bags of salad are produced every minute. We traced the lifecycle of salad from planting in the fields to operations in the factory where produce is washed, packed, and prepared for distribution.The scale and efficiency of the process were impressive, but what really stood out was the level of detail and care behind every step. From precision planting to temperature-controlled logistics, it was a powerful reminder of how much coordination goes on behind the scenes.Day 2: Yoghurt ProductionThe second day kicked off at the Müller UK & Ireland facility in Market Drayton, where 15 million pots of yoghurt are produced each day. Watching the storage of incoming milk into the factory to produce an array of yoghurt products in large-scale production and quality control was really interesting.We then visited a local dairy farm with 1,300 units, which supplies milk to Müller. Seeing the farm-to-factory connection first-hand made it clear just how interconnected and essential each link in the chain really is. To round off the trip, we stopped at a Tesco Superstore, where we saw the final leg of the journey – the product reaching the consumer. It was fascinating to see the supermarket from a different perspective following our previous visits. It was interesting to understand how even the smallest changes in logistics or presentation can ripple through the entire supply chain!Leadership in Agriculture: Lessons from Izak van HeerdenWe were also lucky to hear from Izak van Heerden, who shared insights from his travels with the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, focusing on leadership and emotional intelligence in the agricultural sector. Three key takeaways that resonated deeply:1. Authenticity - Lead with who you are. Be honest and be real.2. People remember how you make them feel - Leadership is about relationships.3. Ubuntu - "Humanity to all". A reminder that empathy and collaboration can move mountains.Izak also spoke about issues in agricultural recruitment and, as those in the industry, how we can tackle these problems and overcome them. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience, the people we met, and the chance to see our food system and enitre supply chain in action. Remember, applications are now open for next year's cohort! Feel free to reach out with any questions. 📩 hannah.cuthbert@morepeople.co.ukContact me!​

​With rainfall scarce this spring and upland soils already drying out, wildfire risk is becoming an urgent concern across the UK. As summer approaches, how we manage moorlands, whether through traditional grouse shooting practices or natural moorland restoration, has never been more relevant.Few topics spark as much debate as moorland management in the UK's upland landscapes, particularly the contrast between areas managed for driven grouse shooting and those following a path of natural moorland restoration. At the heart of this discussion lies a tension between conservation, land use, rural culture and environmental risks, especially concerning wildfire resilience, biodiversity, and community livelihoods.So, what exactly are the differences between these approaches and how do they compare in terms of ecological health, wildfire risk, and opportunities for people living and working in the uplands?What are the differences between grouse-managed moors and natural moorland restoration?Grouse-managed moors are upland areas deliberately maintained for driven red grouse shooting. Landowners apply techniques like controlled heather burning (muirburn), predator control, and selective vegetation management to enhance grouse populations and maintain open moorland habitats. This model is closely tied to rural traditions, game shooting economics, and seasonal employment.In contrast, natural moorland restoration, often associated with rewilding or low-intervention conservation, is guided by ecological processes rather than intensive human control. Here, burning and predator control are minimal or absent, with a focus on peatland restoration, hydrological balance, and allowing vegetation to evolve over time. These landscapes aim to support biodiversity, carbon storage, and natural resilience.Wildfire Risk: Controlled Burning vs Natural ResilienceOn grouse moors, muirburn is a key tool used to reduce wildfire risk by creating a patchwork of young and old heather, which acts as a natural firebreak. By regularly removing dry, woody vegetation, land managers aim to prevent the buildup of fuel that can lead to severe fires. Additionally, the human presence on estates, such as gamekeepers, means faster detection and response to potential wildfires. Meanwhile, natural moorland restoration approaches wildfire prevention through a different lens. Instead of regular burning, they promote the rewetting of peatlands and the restoration of sphagnum-rich bogs, which retain moisture and naturally resist ignition. While this reduces long-term fire risk, unmanaged vegetation can pose a short-term hazard if peat remains dry from past drainage or in drought conditions. However, the structural diversity of these landscapes, mixing wetland, scrub and open moor, can slow fire spread across larger areas.Biodiversity: Managed Habitat vs Wild ComplexityIn terms of biodiversity, grouse moors tend to favour a narrower range of species that thrive in open, heather-dominated habitats. Rotational burning supports early successional plants and benefits birds like red grouse, curlew, and golden plover. Predator control further boosts nesting success for these ground-nesting species. However, the ecosystem may become overly simplified, limiting the presence of woodland edge species, mammals, and invertebrates that require more varied or older vegetation.In contrast, natural moorland restoration allows biodiversity to develop through natural succession. As vegetation matures and becomes more structurally complex, often including grasses, shrubs and wetlands, a broader range of species emerges. These moors can support rare peatland plants, amphibians, raptors and invertebrates. With minimal interference, predator-prey dynamics re-establish, helping to build more balanced and resilient ecosystems. While some open ground species may decline with scrub encroachment, overall species richness and ecological function often increase.How This Affects Rural EmploymentGrouse moors play a significant role in supporting rural employment, offering roles like gamekeepers, beaters, estate staff and hospitality workers during the shooting season. These jobs are often locally rooted and provide apprenticeships and training for land-based skills. In remote areas with limited economic alternatives, these estates can be lifelines for young people seeking meaningful employment and housing opportunities.At the same time, natural moorland restoration is giving rise to new employment opportunities in conservation, habitat restoration, eco-tourism and scientific monitoring. Rewilding and peatland restoration projects increasingly hire ecologists, land managers and carbon specialists, often through NGO's or public schemes. These jobs may offer more consistent year-round employment and align with long-term climate and biodiversity goals. However, the transition between these sectors must be managed carefully to ensure that communities are not left behind and that new skills are supported.Could There be a Middle Ground?As climate change intensifies and biodiversity loss accelerates, both grouse and natural moorland restoration approaches offer lessons and limitations. Grouse moors provide immediate fire control and habitat for some upland species, but risk environmental costs if mismanaged. Natural moorland restoration offers a vision of ecological renewal and long-term resilience, but may require time, investment and public support to reach full potential. Many experts argue the future lies in blending both models, using targeted muirburn where needed, restoring peatlands, supporting natural regeneration and ensuring that rural communities benefit through employment, education, and sustainable land stewardship. This hybrid approach may offer the best path forward for resilient, biodiverse and economically viable uplands.Whether managed for grouse or undergoing natural moorland restoration, upland moors are a vital part of the UK’s ecological and cultural fabric. As our understanding of wildfire risk, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods evolves, so too must the conversation about upland management. A future-fit approach will be one that blends evidence, inclusivity, and adaptability, ensuring that these wild, windswept places remain vibrant, valuable, and alive.If you are considering your employment options within the rural sector - whether it be some of the roles I listed above, or forestry and farming opportunities, do reach out so we can discuss them in more detail.Rachel@morepeople.co.ukContact me

​What is YPFF?Young People in Food and Farming (YPFF) is an informal networking group that brings together young professionals working in the food and farming sectors. We host relaxed events across Stamford and the surrounding areas to help young people connect, share ideas, and build lasting personal and professional relationships.Who Can Attend?Anyone under the age of 35 working in the food and farming industry. The group is open to anyone working or living in the Stamford area. Whether you spend one day a week in a local office, or live nearby - everyone is welcome!What’s the Cost?Our events are completely free to attend. There’s no hidden agenda — we just want to provide a welcoming, light-hearted environment for young professionals.Why Was YPFF Created?Through our work with candidates in the industry, we noticed many young professionals living locally were often not surrounded by peers their own age in the workplace. YPFF was created to change that.Networking events can sometimes feel intimidating or overwhelming. Our goal is to create a more casual, enjoyable space where people in similar situations can meet, talk, and feel part of a wider community.How Does It HelpSpeaking from personal experience, I moved to the area for a job and didn’t know many people. Attending a YPFF event early on introduced me to others in the same boat. Some were familiar faces, others were complete strangers - but all were professionals in food and farming.Since then, many of those people have become friends and key industry contacts. We meet for coffee, bump into each other at conferences, and continue to support one another.YPFF events are a great way to:Meet others in similar roles (or discover roles you didn’t even know existed!)Build your network in the local industryNetwork with professionals & turn connections into real friendshipsWhat Kind of Events Do You Run?We like to keep things varied and informal. Recent events include:A Tapas Night at our officeWine Tasting hosted by AdnamsA “Bingo & Buffet” get-to-know eveningA talk and presentation from Andrew Fitzmaurice, our CEO Cocktail makingQuiz nightsWhat Impact Are You Hoping to Make?We know how daunting it can be to move to a new place, especially when starting a career. We want YPFF to help ease that transition by creating real, lasting connections. One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing familiar faces return to events and build relationships over time.How Do You Choose Speakers, Themes, or Venues?We’re always open to suggestions and strive to keep each event fresh and engaging. Some are hosted in our office, while others take place across Stamford and the surrounding areas. The focus is always on informality and approachability. Looking forward, we’re keen to bring in people from our wider network to host talks and Q&As. We’re also in talks with wider local businesses to see if we can organise something with them.How Do You Keep Events Relevant?We ask for feedback before and after each event via short polls and questionnaires. This helps us tailor events to what attendees really want and keeps the events engaging for both new and returning guests.A Rewarding Moment as the OrganiserAt one of our recent events, I’d recently placed a candidate into her very first role in the industry. She decided to come along, and by chance, a colleague from a different department at the same company was also there. Not just this, another attendee was on their MDS secondment and due to join the same business in a couple of months' time! It was brilliant to see three young professionals from the same company, all at different stages in their careers, connecting at one of our events. They were able to share their experiences, learn more about each other’s roles, and give the rest of us a better insight into their organisation. How Can I Get Involved?​​​​​To register your interest and hear about our next event, sign up here: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/58OI-G81/ypffwhatsappsignupYou can contact me, Hannah Cuthbert, at any time for questions, queries or just a general chat about YPFF!📩 hannah.cuthbert@morepeople.co.uk📞 01780 480 530📲 View my profile Connect with me on LinkedIn​

As a Recruitment Consultant within the Rural Sector, I spend a great deal of time discussing certain barriers and challenges that our clients may be facing. Recently, I have been speaking with Poultry Farmers, and the same topic is brought up without hesitation…bird flu. It is clearly having a major impact, so I thought it was a good time to collate together how bird flu is affecting the food and agriculture sector and subsequently how recruitment is moulding to the unique needs of the poultry industry.The Current Picture in the UKBird flu or Avian Influenza has been dominating headlines for good reason. The virus has continued to affect both wild and domestic bird populations. More recently, it has even been detected in other species. In March 2025, The Guardian reported the world’s first known case of bird flu in sheep, and just a month earlier, four seals were found dead from the virus along the Norfolk coast. The boundaries of this disease are evidently shifting.Back in November 2024, the UK government confirmed the presence of the H5N5 strain in commercial poultry, triggering culling and the creation of protection zones. The following February, the country faced a grim milestone — seabird populations in some areas had dropped by as much as 75% due to the virus. This sharp decline underscored just how deeply bird flu is affecting wildlife, farming, and biodiversity.The Current Biosecurity Landscape (as of April 2025)To combat the ongoing threat, the UK government has implemented several wide-reaching biosecurity measures:Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ): The entire UK is under this zone, requiring strict biosecurity protocols for all bird keepers.Mandatory Housing Measures: Certain regions (including Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and more) require all kept birds to be housed indoors to prevent wild bird contact.Enhanced Biosecurity Protocols: These include rodent control, disinfection procedures, using protective clothing and equipment, and limiting access to bird areas.DEFRA continues to advise vigilance, urging bird keepers to monitor for symptoms and report any concerns immediately. Despite the low public health risk, authorities are closely monitoring the situation in case of virus mutations that could increase human transmission risk.Operational and Economic Consequences on Businesses:The outbreak of bird flu has resulted in hundreds of thousands of birds being culled, affecting both egg and meat supply. This, in turn, has increased consumer prices and catalysed supply chain disruption. Housing orders, pest control, and additional protective equipment have created a real financial burden, especially for smaller producers. Additionally, export restrictions and insurance difficulties have already added pressure on stretched operations. Not to mention labour and welfare issues…staff shortages, mental strain, and animal welfare concerns are increasingly common as birds are kept indoors for extended periods of time.Vaccination: Is It the Future?Vaccination is a hot topic right now, with countries like France, China, and the Netherlands making strides in mass poultry vaccination strategies. Notably, the Dutch government began a pilot vaccination program in March 2025 following the promising field trial results, which showed that vaccinated birds remained disease-free and did not transmit the virus.Still, there are caveats: vaccination can complicate surveillance efforts and affect export eligibility, so countries like the UK and U.S. are proceeding cautiously.What Does This Mean for Recruitment?All of this change — from disease control to vaccination strategy — is having a real impact on recruitment within the poultry industry. We are seeing candidates who are skilled in Biosecurity, managing disease risk, adhering to safety protocols and implementing prevention strategies are highly sought after. Moreover, professionals who display a range of operational flexibility are also in demand. With the uncertainty of bird flu, Farm Managers are looking to hire those who are open to flexibility and not scared of change. In particular, changes in regulation or environment, like shifting from the outdoor to indoor housing of animals during outbreaks is key. With instances of bird-to-human transmission, such as the confirmed case of H5N1 in a UK poultry worker in January 2025, there's a growing emphasis on training, PPE use, and occupational health policies. Candidates must be aware of this and be willing to undertake efficient training.Unfortunately, the negative implications of outbreaks and culls can lead to temporary layoffs or a reduced hiring demand. As the situation continues to evolve, so too does the type of talent the industry needs. It's more important than ever for employers to hire not just for experience, but for resilience, awareness, and adaptability. On that note, if you do need assistance in hiring talent who will be equipped for what the future may hold, please reach out to me! ​Rachel Richardson | Rural Recruitment Consultantrachel@morepeople.co.uk07701 387 732Contact meGet to know me 

The short-term let market has transformed the way we stay-cation, opening doors (literally) to incredible stays in the UK countryside, from cosy cottages to quirky converted barns. By offering travellers convenient, private short stays, it has created both opportunities and challenges for local communities. On the upside, in some cases, short-term lets have provided a lifeline for rural homeowners and small businesses. Renting out spare rooms or holiday properties is a (relatively) easy way to generate extra income in areas where jobs are often scarce. Visitors also spend money in the local economy - pubs, cafes, shops, and attractions - injecting much-needed revenue into the community.  Then there’s the boost to tourism. Lesser-known destinations are now on the map thanks to platforms promoting hidden gems, drawing more people off the beaten track (opinion is divided on whether this is always a positive thing!) These visitors often create a ripple effect, encouraging friends and family to explore these charming spots too. It’s argued that the market for short-term letting has increased the popularity of holidays in the UK, funnelling more money back into the UK economy instead of abroad. It’s generally a win-win for rural and wider-UK tourism. Short-term lets have also contributed to the preservation of our agricultural architectural heritage. Many farm buildings with historical or architectural significance, which might be considered ‘redundant’ in modern farming, have been converted into holiday accommodation, giving them a new lease of life. Without this relatively straightforward route to return on capital - often far outstripping standard ASTs or even outright sale - some could have fallen into disrepair. However, navigating strict planning regulations for such conversions can be a challenge for property owners, though the rewards of restoration are nearly always worth the effort. But not everything is rosy. Housing availability is a key concern; with more homes and newly converted buildings being used as short-term rentals, it has become harder for local families to find affordable housing, straining community ties. Similarly, the conversion of farm steadings into holiday homes takes them out of availability for agricultural use, creating hurdles for new entrants into farming. Young or aspiring farmers need affordable steadings, and smaller farms with slightly outdated facilities are often the perfect place to start. Losing these options poses a risk to the sustainability of the farming sector. Environmental concerns are also mounting. More visitors mean more strain on local resources and infrastructure, from water and waste systems to the erosion of natural landscapes. It is vital to ensure tourism does not harm the very countryside that draws people in. Finally, inconsistent regulations around short-term lets create confusion. While some councils embrace the sector, others are still trying to catch up. Clearer, fairer guidelines could help balance the benefits for property owners with the needs of local communities. The verdict? The short-term let market impact on the UK’s rural economy is a real mixed bag. On the one hand, it has brought in extra cash for locals, boosted tourism, and helped breathe new life into heritage buildings. On the other hand, it has driven up housing costs, put pressure on resources, and sometimes created challenges for the very communities it helps on other occasions. Striking the right balance is crucial, and that means open and honest conversations between communities, councils, and hosts. By working together, we can ensure short-term lets continue to support rural areas without taking away what makes them so special.​On that note, I am here to help with your rural recruitment needs...get in touch for a confidential chat!Max Johnsonmax@morepeople.co.uk01780 480 530

The recent Brassica Conference was a fantastic opportunity to bring together key professionals from across the agricultural industry to discuss the latest developments in technology, research, and market trends. With an impressive lineup of speakers covering a broad range of topics, the event provided valuable insights into the future of the sector.Hannah and I were invited to speak at the event to share insights on recruitment within the agricultural sector. This was an invaluable opportunity to engage with industry professionals, expand our network, and discuss how recruitment challenges and opportunities are shaping the future of agriculture. Beyond our own presentation, the conference offered a wealth of knowledge from experts across different areas of the industry. I felt it was an amazing opportunity to attend due to the networking opportunity,  a chance to give a detailed overview of recruitment to the industry and have the exposure of meeting some incredible people in the industry.  Key Themes from the ConferenceFrom political updates with NFU Deputy President, David Exwood, to robotic advancements in precision agriculture with Tom Beach from Autonomous Agri Solutions, a broad range of industry topics were discussed.Rosemary Collier from the University of Warwickshire presented research which focused on the management of pest insects in horticultural crops using approaches that minimise impact on the environment. Alix Morley from the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) – shared their ambitious education programme and also highlighted their two annual awareness campaigns – Farm Safety Week and Mind Your Head – helping to make our farms safer places to both work and live.Dan Morley from Veg Power spoke about their campaign and how it reaches into the homes of 46 million people and the primary schools of 1,000,000 pupils, with 59% of parents and kids saying they ate more vegetables as a result. The campaign has so far increased vegetable sales by 1.4 billion children’s portions. Veg Power also supports parents to improve their children’s diet through their Simply Veg channels.I learnt that the industry is incredibly passionate about growing quality produce in the UK. David Exwood from the NFU really stood out to me. He spoke passionately and optimistically about the industry despite the current challenges of the political and agricultural climate. Our role at the conferenceHannah and I shared insights into recruitment within the agriculture industry along with the challenges and opportunities faced. We also spoke about succession planning and why it is vital in agriculture, whilst covering topics such as best practices and how to attract the best talent.A key takeaway from the conference is how the current challenges and negative press surrounding the industry make it less appealing to young people. Removing these barriers encourages deeper reflection on how to attract top talent at a grassroots level. Other key challenges discussed included work-life balance, well-being, and salaries—all of which play a crucial role in drawing talent to the industry. If my team and I can help you in the world of agricultural recruitment, then please get in touch!Ryan Bainborough | Team Manager | Agriculture & RuralRyan@morepeople.co.uk | 01780 480 530 Get to know me here!

On Wednesday, January 22nd, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Tesco’s annual Winter Reception at the House of Commons as part of the Future Farmer Programme, which I am currently completing.This nine-month programme, run by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University and sponsored by Tesco, is designed to equip aspiring agricultural professionals with the skills needed for sustainable farming.Since starting in October, I’ve attended two insightful conferences at Harper Adams University, featuring farm tours and talks from industry leaders. Additionally, I’ve taken part in two online seminars focusing on personal development and sustainable farming.The Winter Reception at the House of Commons was a fantastic opportunity to engage with key decision-makers in the industry and gain a broader perspective on the supply chain. It was also great to connect with a cohort of like-minded individuals.Later this month, I’ll be attending a two-day regenerative farming event, which includes a visit to FarmED—a centre dedicated to the vital connection between food and farming. We’ll also hear from Ed Brown, Head of Farms at Wildfarmed. Following this, the programme will host another online webinar, a "Walk the Supply Chain" event, and a final conference to conclude the course.So far, this experience has been invaluable. With around 70 participants from various sectors of food and agriculture, it has provided me with key insights into the broader supply chain. We’ve had useful presentations and meetings with a number of companies we work with; understanding their business and sustainability goals for the future has been really interesting. I would really recommend the programme to anyone in the industry. You can read more about the programme here.It is paramount that as recruiters for the agriculture and rural sector, we stay up to date with emerging industry trends, challenges and innovations. Programmes such as the School of Sustainable Food and Farming allow me to deepen my knowledge of the sector further and therefore provide me with the knowledge to make informed decisions when pairing candidates with the right profession.Please reach out if you have any questions, whether you are navigating the agricultural climate, or you are considering a career change, I am always happy to help!Hannah Cuthbert | Recruitment Consultant | Agriculture & RuralHannah.cuthbert@morepeople.co.uk | 01780 480 530You can read more of our blogs on agriculture here!

Bridging Tradition and Technology​As we all know, food is one of our most fundamental, primal needs. Generations of farmers have perfected their growing techniques and secrets powering the food industry. Surely something this sacred shouldn’t be tampered with…or should it?Using technology and food manufacturing in the same sentence usually elicits the same frightening response as mentioning AI: “Will it take over our jobs?” “I want to be able to trust the ingredients in my food.” “I don’t want to eat something that’s chemically grown!”These are all common misconceptions. Nature and technology can in fact work together, to create positive, sustainable and convenient practices. But are consumers ready to embrace this? If food manufacturing companies promise to produce high-quality, great-tasting food, then I think so! I sit on the agricultural and rural desk at MorePeople and it is important for us as specialist recruiters to stay up to date on technological advances to attract top talent, accurately define evolving job roles, and meet the growing demand for tech-savvy professionals. As agriculture adopts new innovations, recruiters need to understand these trends to align candidates with employer needs, drive sustainability, and support industry innovation. Staying informed ensures a future-ready workforce, and helps bridge labour gaps by identifying adaptable and skilled professionals who can navigate the industry's rapid technological evolution.We recently explored Mintel’s 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends Report, which gave us insight into the opinions of blending traditional agriculture with cutting-edge technology. For farmers, traditional techniques and wisdom have been passed through generations. They’ve become reliant on these practices that have been mastered throughout time. But as climate challenges persist, are we seeing farmers embrace technology in small doses? Let’s take drones as an example. The introduction of drones can be used in multiple ways, such as crop growth and maintenance. This not only saves time and energy for farmers, but they can also provide accurate details on the quality of their produce allowing farmers to focus their time on other projects. Additionally, GPS-guided tractors will inevitably improve farming efficiency and lead to less strain on repetitive labour. Utilising technology to create higher-yielding and more nutritious foodMintel’s report has highlighted that 52% of US vegetable buyers would eat more vegetables engineered to be more nutritious. This does support our argument that when it comes to healthier food options, consumers are starting to react positively to the benefits. Advancement in technology does not have to mean compromising on taste or health. Food that stays fresher for longer will help reduce food waste, especially in large-scale environments like restaurants and hotels which is a huge positive concerning sustainable practices.Engineered crops, developed through advancements in agricultural biotechnology, play a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by the rapidly increasing human population. These crops are genetically modified to exhibit traits such as enhanced resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses like drought or salinity. Additionally, they can be designed to increase yield, ensuring higher food production per acre of farmland. This innovation is vital as global food demand continues to grow with the population, while arable land remains finite. By improving nutritional content and reducing the need for chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, engineered crops also promote sustainable farming practices, making them an essential tool in combating food insecurity and supporting a growing world.Whilst we still have some work to do in shifting consumer perceptions on blending technology and traditional agriculture, the promise of more nutritious foods and sustainable practices is a powerful motivator. Projecting into 2026, we suspect that arms will be much more open when we can fully see the results and benefits of using technology to our advantage.​Are you looking to advance your Agricultural career, or looking for a place to start? Get in touch!Rachel Richardson | Recruitment Consultant | Agriculture and Rural Rachel@morepeople.co.uk | 01780 480 530​​

​This year’s LAMMA Show was a great experience for the MorePeople team. Held annually, LAMMA has become a cornerstone event for the agricultural sector, showcasing the latest innovations in machinery, technology, and trends. It’s a fantastic opportunity for professionals across the industry to connect, learn, and explore the future of agriculture. Here’s a snapshot of our experience, highlighting insights from two of our team members, Jake and Ryan.Jake’s Perspective: A First-Time Attendee’s Take on Technology and TrendsAs an Engineering Consultant at MorePeople, Jake attended LAMMA for the first time this year. His aim was to gain a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge advancements shaping the agricultural machinery sector.Why LAMMA?Jake shared, “I came to the LAMMA Show to gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in the agricultural machinery sector. For me as an engineering recruiter, it’s essential to stay up to date with emerging technologies like autonomous machinery and electrification, as these are shaping the future of the industry.”Highlight of the VisitFor Jake, the highlight was seeing innovative technologies in autonomous and electric machinery firsthand. “As someone in recruitment, this is crucial for understanding where the sector is heading and what technical skills will be needed. It’s been exciting to witness these advancements and think about how they’ll impact the types of roles we’ll be recruiting for in the near future,” he said.“The atmosphere at the LAMMA Show was incredibly engaging and forward-thinking, with a real sense of excitement about the innovations on display,” Jake concluded.Ryan’s Perspective: A Leader’s Insight on Networking and ChallengesAs the Agriculture Team Manager at MorePeople, Ryan has a broader view of the industry’s opportunities and challenges. LAMMA 2025 offered him a chance to connect with the agricultural community and glean valuable insights.Networking Opportunities“Heading up the Rural and Agricultural team at MorePeople, I saw LAMMA as a fantastic event to network with current contacts as well as potential new ones,” Ryan said. “Having a whole agricultural and rural network all under one roof is beneficial for us as a team.”Event AtmosphereRyan noted the event’s vibrant energy: “The atmosphere was very upbeat. People of all ages and paths of agriculture seemed to really enjoy networking, looking at new machinery, and exploring trends across the industry.”Challenges and TrendsRyan highlighted some of the pressing challenges facing the industry, such as rising costs and the introduction of new government regulations. “With the price of fertiliser tripling and increases in fuel and machinery costs, the strain on farmers and sustainable food production in the UK is immense,” he explained.However, Ryan was equally optimistic about emerging trends, especially in automation and high-tech equipment. He cited Garford’s latest innovations, including their “inter-row weed recognition tool” and the next-generation Robocrop AI system, as prime examples of how technology is pushing the boundaries of efficiency and precision in farming.Takeaways from LAMMA 2025LAMMA 2025 showcased the resilience, ingenuity, and forward-thinking spirit of the agricultural industry. From the latest advancements in machinery to the invaluable networking opportunities, it was clear that the event serves as a vital hub for driving progress in agriculture.For our team, it was a reminder of the importance of staying connected to the industry’s pulse. The insights gained will undoubtedly shape our approach to recruitment and our understanding of the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.We’re already looking forward to LAMMA 2026 and continuing to be part of this fantastic industry!