Shropshire YFC members organise first careers fair - and it's a great success

More than 30 businesses, agricultural colleges and universities attended the event which took place at Shrewsbury Livestock market, thanks to the support of Halls. 

The  businesses focused on everything from crops to animal health, land agency to marketing, insurers to accountants, farm secretaries, forestry to agricultural machinery. 

Millie Preece,  the new county chair for Shropshire YFC, said:  "The evening had a real buzz to it, with over 300 people in attendance. 

"It was great to see so many young farmers and members of the community coming to chat to the businesses and find out more about the industry with many people having bags of leaflets and the odd free hat or pen. 

"They would definitely have food for thought on the way home."

Millie added: "We also had nine different talks from varying areas, veterinary science, deer management, life in the food industry, agricultural marketing, being a land agent, agricultural engineering and a new entrant farmer from the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs Chair.

"Shropshire YFC would like to thank everyone who attended and of course the fantastic speakers and businesses who came along." 

Darren Duppa, of Morris Corfield, said: "It was very well attended, informative and for us very worthwhile."

Annie Farmer, Edwards & Farmer Ltd., added: “We had a wonderful evening connecting with passionate individuals eager to secure their futures in the agricultural industry. 

"Their enthusiasm reinforces our belief that the future is promising for employment in our sector." 

"I didn’t attend a careers fair like this until I was at Harper Adams University and I knew where I wanted to be," added  Olivia Parsons Shropshire Show Secretary.

"So being able to create this event with the help of Shropshire Young Farmers and the businesses we were able to give exposure to the world of food and agriculture to our young members who may not know what they want to do, and also the local community. 

"Even at the age of 26 it opened my eyes to a world outside of finance.”