We want to help secondary school children understand farming and agriculture better.
As tomorrow's consumers, it's vital that they learn about the work farmers do.
We want to show them how farmers are addressing climate change, harnessing technology, looking after the environment, and producing food to world-leading standards.
What is Farmers for Schools?
As part of our Farmers for Schools programme, we’re asking NFU members to deliver a 30 to 45-minute assembly in local secondary schools about day-to-day life on their farm. This gives you a chance to showcase the value of British farming and correct any myths or misconceptions, as well as answer questions from students.
Typically, our ambassadors will work together in pairs to deliver two assemblies over the course of the academic year. The NFU also cover any travel expenses and the cost of a DBS check.
Training
Our training course gives you the tools to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking presentation for an assembly.
“The NFU's initiative is a vitally important means of linking food production with the next generation of young consumers.”
NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos
It'll also give you the opportunity to network with other NFU members and discuss how to best share your farming story.
Dates
Our 2024 training has now been completed. Further dates for spring 2025 will be added once venues have been confirmed. We'll share these in due course.
In the mean time, if you have any questions about the programme or would like to register early interest for training in 2025, you can contact the NFU education team at [email protected].
Why should you sign up?
Don't just take our word for it! Hear the reasons why you should join from from fellow farmers:
1 minute 30 second listen
We have already trained more than 340 NFU members to speak to teenagers in secondary schools about the people who produce their food and the realities and career opportunities of modern farming in the UK.
NFU chief education manager Josh Payne said: “It’s been brilliant to hear how well our ambassadors are doing and how well their presentations are being received in schools and colleges.
“Getting into schools, especially in urban areas, is a great way of connecting young people to the food they buy and eat.
“We’re are looking forward to training even more ambassadors ready to engage teenagers and get them thinking about food and farming.”
We spoke to three members who have already completed the training to find out what they thought:
Thomas Saunders
Mixed farmer and Harper Adams student
“The NFU education team delivered a very informative presentation.
“The mixed age environment was excellent. It allowed trainees with a couple of years or several decades of farming experience to discuss and deliver small sections of their potential presentations to each other.
“I learned how to summarise key information to ensure the audience remain interested.
“We really need to make positive changes within farming, and school pupils are the industry’s future. It is crucial that they understand the importance of backing British farming.
“This will ensure that our industry continues to be strong, dynamic and efficient. The more people trained to speak in schools, the greater the understanding of British farming among the population.”
Rebecca Wilson
Livestock farmer
“As soon as I arrived at the training I knew it would be a relaxed day, focused on collaboration and learning from each other.
“It was great to see a wide variety of ages, genders and agricultural sectors represented.
“We all learned something new about how to help get the message about British agriculture and food production across to school children.
“I am looking forward to visiting schools and delivering the presentation I made during the training, describing my journey into farming and busting some myths.
“I also hope to build a relationship with the schools and ultimately have school children visiting the farm at home.
“I would definitely recommend the training to anyone involved in the agricultural industry. To be able to share a message about the fantastic work that we do on farm for animal welfare and the environment, for example, is a second to none opportunity to speak to our future consumers and employees.”
Sian Davies
Mixed farmer
“It was great to meet new people who are keen to get involved in the Farmers for Schools programme.
“The first part of the course was aimed at telling our farming story to engage our audience in our day-to-day life.
“This covered aspects such as what we farm, what we produce, our journey to becoming a farmer and how our workload varies throughout the year.
“The second part of the presentation was myth-busting around important issues such as emissions, animal welfare and caring for the environment.
“It was a really engaging day and an opportunity for us to prepare a presentation for the schools.
“I have never done something like this before and I am excited to be part of the programme to help showcase the best of British farming to children from all over the country.”
