51AVÊÓÆµ

Agriculture has a strong champion in King Charles

This weeks special on careers showcases the breadth of rewarding jobs on offer in agriculture as well as the inspirational leaders and trainers who are helping to nurture the next generation of talent.

clock • 2 min read
Agriculture has a strong champion in King Charles

This weeks special on careers showcases the breadth of rewarding jobs on offer in agriculture as well as the inspirational leaders and trainers who are helping to nurture the next generation of talent.

A case in point is our article on Lucy Mason and Gabs Arnold who have come to recognise hedge laying as a vocation.

Ìý

They are a wonderful example ofhow a traditional craft can form a modern career one that is flexible around other commitments such as family life and in demand more than ever thanks to various environmental schemes.

Ìý

It is these rural skills that, among many countryside matters, King Charles III has shone a light on throughout his career, using The Princes Foundation to help train young people in land-based heritage disciplines such as dry-stone walling, among many others.

Ìý

A true advocate of farming, he has helped raise the industrys profile, particularly when it comes to family farms and the unique set of challenges they face.

Ìý

The Princes Countryside Funds 51AVÊÓÆµResilience Fund has invested millions of pounds helping more than 2,500 businesses boost their business skills and offering environmental management training.

Ìý

But it is these family-run operations which find themselves under threat like never before, with the NFUs latest confidence survey making uncomfortable, but perhaps not surprising reading.

With every day stressors being compounded by a lack of clarity on future farming policies such as the Environmental Land Management scheme amidst a generally chaotic political landscape, it is no wonder businesses are taking some difficult decisions and this will, of course, have an impact on planning around investment and, in turn, growth.

Ìý

As our page 2 story shows, this is already impacting eager new entrants desperate to get a foothold on the ladder. But it is not too late and the convening of a new entrants roundtable by Farming Minister Mark Spencer is a positive sign.

Ìý

While there may be a long road ahead to addressing the fundamental issues within the industry, agriculture does have a strong champion in King Charles and this weekend is a chance to come together and celebrate.

Ìý

And finally: A focus on rural crime by police in Wales will be welcomed by countryside communities and could perhaps form a blueprint for other forces.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

£±Ê°¿´¡

BNG National Habitat Bank Creation & Unit

£±Ê°¿´¡

WATER ABSTRACTION LICENCES FOR SALE

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on 51AVÊÓÆµLife

British Food Fortnight unites farmers and puts food security under the spotlight

British Food Fortnight unites farmers and puts food security under the spotlight

The campaign, now in its 24th year, aims to showcase the value of putting farmers at the heart of food supply chains and communities

clock 07 October 2025 • 2 min read
King and Queen attend Harvest service at Crathie Kirk to celebrate Scots farmers

King and Queen attend Harvest service at Crathie Kirk to celebrate Scots farmers

Crathie Kirk, the place of worship most well-known for regular visits by the Royal Family when they are in residence at Balmoral Castle, hosted its annual Harvest service on Sunday (October 5)

Alex Black
clock 07 October 2025 • 2 min read
New campaign aims to raise menopause understanding

New campaign aims to raise menopause understanding

Farmstrong Scotland launches drive to mark Menopause Awareness Month

clock 05 October 2025 • 3 min read