Young people face many challenges within the agricultural industry. And this is a message that is constantly preached to us by those in the upper echelons of power - whether it is the government, the varying levels of education establishments or the big wide world of employment.
There seems to be an endemic nature amongst the industry that says young people must embrace difficulty because we as the present generation never had it handed to us on a plate and so neither shall you.
The conflict lies however in the fact whilst most young people are keen to immerse themselves in a life of farming, whatever route that may take, they are then denied opportunities as a result of a number of reasons - lack of experience, economic climate, and academic record are just a few issues that spring to mind.
A lot of my peers who I went to university with are out working in New Zealand and Australia at the moment, which is a loss to the UK industry, but the amount of opportunities that will offer a decent wage and standard of living are few and far between at the moment.
On recently turning 25, I am nearing the upper age limit for young farmers. Talking to a few junior members it shocks me the lack of adventure most of them have in their reluctance to uncover new experiences and challenges before returning to take over the farm.
Whether this is uncertainty in the range of opportunity that exists within the industry, or the knowledge that following in their parents' footsteps is a safe bet to job security I am unsure.
I moved to Australia when I was 18 to spend 11 months on cattle stations and sheep properties. I went with a slight interest in farming, and returned with a passion. In this country, there is countless talk of launching new strategies for young and new entrants, but where is the proof that it is happening successfully?
Last month I was invited to interview for the NFYFC Discovery programme, which offers young farmers from the UK the chance to encounter new cultures and operations in different countries.
I have been awarded a six-week homestay in Sweden in the summer, which I am looking forward to immensely. This will involve me acting as an ambassador for our national federation of young farmers, and staying with host families from their representative organisation. I might also have to give talks on UK agriculture and what state it is in, and provide a UK perspective on all matters farming.
I am also the Lancashire YFC representative for a two-day young farmers study tour to Brussels next month, where we will visit the NFU office and the European parliament, which I am hoping will be an interesting and insightful little trip.
Referring to these two YFC excursions, I would say I am very pro-active in getting involved with what is on offer - especially as I was a late entrant to the young farmers' scene, so want to make the most of the benefits that accompany it!
Unfortunately, I think the UK agricultural industry could do more to encourage young people to take up the reins. Too often opportunities are closed in your face due to regulations and office politics, which dispels the view that the industry is changing to accommodate new entrants.
