Doors opened for the next generation of agricultural talent by North Yorkshire farmer

Newhay Feeds, an agricultural manufacturing business has partnered with the IoT to tackle the growing skills gap head-on, as new government figures confirm almost one million young people are currently not in employment, education or training.

Despite record levels of unemployment among 16-24 year olds, agriculture is an industry undergoing rapid transformation, with employment opportunities for those with the right skills.

Driven by automation, digital tools and new manufacturing techniques, the sector is actively seeking young people who can adapt and grow alongside the technology.

The Newhay Feeds and Yorkshire & Humber IoT partnership is helping equip young people the skills needed for modern agriculture roles.

The IoT works with colleges, universities and local employers to deliver high-quality technical education for those seeking alternatives to the traditional university route.

For Newhay Feeds, a 400-acre specialist producer of premium Timothy Hay supplying major pet food manufacturers and retailers across the UK, Europe, Australia and South Africa, the partnership offers a way to give back to an industry that gave Ian Burrows his start, while bringing fresh thinking into the business at a time of change.

The partnership has already brought students into the farming business as a group of final-year degree students from Askham Bryan College recently visited Newhay Feeds to learn about agricultural diversification and commercial growth to support their dissertations.

With disciplines spanning crop science, mechanical engineering, food technology and retail packaging, Newhay Feeds offers a rich learning environment for students across multiple specialisms.

Looking ahead, the business has further student placements and recruitment planned through the Yorkshire & Humber IoT network to help more young people find employment within agriculture.

Ian’s own route into farming was unconventional after moving into the sector after 15 years working in the textile industry in Dewsbury.

As a first-generation farmer who navigated agricultural college without the benefit of a family farming background, Ian understands first-hand how much of a difference the right opportunity and a little support can make.

“When I got to agricultural college, I realised I was two or three steps behind and needed a helping hand,” Ian said.

"Getting those opportunities is difficult. I was given a chance, and so giving some chances back to young people is something I’m very passionate about – which is where the initial interest in the IoT came from.

“The skillset needed in agriculture are evolving quickly as technology continues to advance.

"That’s bringing a new generation of diverse talent into the industry – people who have grown up with this technology and think differently. In a challenging commercial environment, those fresh perspectives and outside viewpoints are incredibly valuable.”

Hannah Wilson, Head of Operations at the Yorkshire & Humber IoT, said: “Newhay Feeds is a fantastic example of how employer partnerships can make a real difference to young people in our region, at a time when we need it most.

“By opening their doors to students and sharing real commercial experience, employers like Newhay help ensure that young people across Yorkshire and Humber have a genuine route into careers in modern agriculture – an industry that is changing faster than many people realise.

"That is exactly the kind of collaboration the IoT was created to support.”