51AVÊÓƵ

I was brought up surrounded by farms.Ìý

It was a privilege to have had such an amazing childhood on my grandparent's smallholding - which was supposed to be a retirement hobby they started back in the 1990s.Ìý

My grandparents initially bred ponies until turning to sheep not too long afterwards.Ìý

Young Farmer Focus - George Elliott: "Since I was introduced to farming in my childhood, I have never doubted that a career in agriculture has been for me"

We now have 80 breeding ewes of mules, teeswaters and borerays today which I take a lot of responsibility for.Ìý

This small-holding was where I spent most of my time after school which I believe unlocked my passion for animals.Ìý

I think it was inevitable I would want to get into farming somehow due to my father, who had worked as a stockman on different farms, and my grandmother, who had always loved the outdoors.Ìý

They both taught me the basics about farming and inspired me to go further with what I wanted to achieve in the industry.Ìý

The biggest thing they showed me is farming is not a job.Ìý

Being a farmer is part of who people are - a lifestyle which tends to choose the person and not the other way around.Ìý

Young Farmer Focus - Hannah Cuthbert: 'Farming is changing and young people like us are a part of this'

Farming is addictive - even when the hail is pelting down or you are digging out sheep from snowdrifts.Ìý

There is no money in the world which would actually make me want to give it up.Ìý

I am currently in my fourth year studying Agriculture with Business Management at Aberystwyth University.Ìý

Attending university has been beneficial in so many ways.ÌýÌýÌý

For instance, it has allowed me to see a different perspective of agriculture which I hope to implement in my future career.Ìý

Young Farmer Focus - Lucy Hooper: "We need to support each other and make sure there is always time for discussion on mental health"

I have recently returned to university after completing a placement year at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.Ìý

The placement itself was an exciting opportunity which enhanced my entireÌýuniversity experience and unlocked different networking opportunities withinÌýthe industry.Ìý

It was also fun to meet new people with different opinions about agricultural practices - with some of those people now being close friends.Ìý

To be able to work at Chatsworth House's farmyard was eye-opening because it really is an educational resource for all ages to learn about agriculture.Ìý

Young Farmer Focus - Rachel Barr: "I cannot see myself as anything other than a farmer"

I do think this opportunity highlighted the lack of education many urban areas have regarding agriculture and forestry within the UK and why it really is important to give people more opportunities to explore agriculture in the future.

Many of the challenges farmers face - such as not getting a fair price for produce - would be eased if people were taught about the work farmers do in providing safe and healthy food.Ìý

British farmers are more than just farmers, they are a lifeline for the country.Ìý

They keep the landscapes maintained all while providing affordable, healthy and safe food, with some of the highest traceability and welfare standards globally.Ìý

It is vital customers realise the hard-work of farmers in producing food.

Young Farmer Focus - Liz Tree: "I would not be where I am today without experiencing farming as a child and I will forever be grateful to those farmers who took the time to teach and mentor me"