The changing face of farming at Bishop Burton College

‘FANTASTIC FOR THE INDUSTRY’: Bishop Burton College Farm Manager James Richardson

By Rick Lyon

More students from non-farming backgrounds are studying agriculture at Bishop Burton College to work with the latest technology in a rapidly evolving industry.

The land-based college, near Beverley, is a centre of farming industry expertise, where students learn in a specialist agriculture environment.

Bishop Burton has its own commercial farm, which allows students to build up crucial experience and develop their skills and expertise.

Students also benefit from the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology (IoT) Centre for Precision Agriculture at the college.

MODERN: Agriculture students at Bishop Burton College working with the latest technology

They work with the most forward-looking agricultural technologies to achieve high level qualifications, focusing on precision farming to transform food production and reduce emissions, pollution, waste and soil erosion.

Farm Manager James Richardson, who is himself a former agriculture student at the college, believes it is this modernisation of the industry, and the drive towards more sustainable farming, that is making it an increasingly popular option.

James, who studied Level 3 Agriculture at Bishop Burton from 2008-2010, said: “We’ve got a much more diverse range of students here now than when I was here previously.

“When I was a student here, I think all but one of us had come from a family farm. Now, we’re getting a much broader range of students from non-agricultural backgrounds, and that’s fantastic for the industry.

“Those who aren’t coming from an agricultural background have a fresh view of it, and they ask some really good questions about why we do things the way we do. That’s really refreshing, and it’s what the industry needs.”

James said the opportunity to work with robotics, satellite technology and other modern equipment and facilities is particularly attractive to a younger demographic, and they can also see that agriculture is moving with the times to become much more environmentally friendly.

“Agriculture, like every other industry, is assessing its impact on the environment and trying to reduce its carbon footprint,” he said.

“We’re taking the risks very seriously, and college farm has a carbon neutral target of 2030, which we’re on track to meet.

CHANGING SECTOR: Bishop Burton College is welcoming more agriculture students from non-farming backgrounds

“The part agriculture can play in reaching global carbon reduction targets is huge. There’s a lot of potential to take a lead in this.

“Farming has become much more business-like and data-driven now, and the technology and robotics mean the industry has changed significantly from what it was 20 years ago.

“We’re opening students’ eyes to where agriculture is and where it’s going.”

Bishop Burton offers agriculture courses at further education and higher education level, as well as apprenticeships.

To find out more, click here.