The Next Generation is Going Down Under

A young farmer from Northumberland, Rachel Fife, has been selected to represent theGlendale Agricultural Society at the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) Conference being held at Brisbane Showground, Australia this October.

Attending the conference as a ‘Next Generation’ delegate Rachel is a farmer’s daughter from Coldrife Farm near Chathill.

The Glendale Agricultural Society, one of the smallest in the UK, is also renowned for being one of the most proactive and progressive.  It prides itself on highlighting and addressing issues which affect agriculture and the community – and becoming a member of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) four years ago has enabled it to send its second delegate to this international conference.

Their chosen delegate, 24 year old Rachel, has grown up immersed in the countryside and has always wanted to farm. A former pupil of The Duchess High School, Rachel looks after the families 400 Ewe flock as well as taking care of all the farm paper work.  In addition to this Rachel works at Northumbrian Quality Feeds and is a self-employed contract shepherd during the summer months.

Rachel has also spent three months travelling and working in New Zealand, in particular she worked in shearing sheds, grading the wool as it was being clipped, penning sheep and pressing wool.  On hearing that she had been chosen to represent the Glendale Agricultural Society Rachel commented:

“This really is an opportunity of a lifetime for me.  It is a difficult industry to start up in, and I feel that the knowledge that will be available to me at the conference will go a long way in helping me achieve my overall aim to start up my own farming business breeding pedigree Suffolks.”

“I am very interested in learning about new ideas and techniques that can help the farming industry, and I am really looking forward to getting an in depth look at the issues facing primary production in South-East Queensland in the farming and agriculture industry.”

On making the announcement Simon Orpwood from the GAS and Trustee of the Royal Commonwealth Agricultural Society said: “Rachel has agriculture in her blood; we were looking for someone with an abundance of enthusiasm and an interest in the agriculture sector, and Rachel was the ideal person.  The Society wish Rachel all the best on her travels to Australia.”

The Glendale Agricultural Society has contributed £500 toward Rachel’s trip and are currently looking to secure further funding to cover some of the trip costs.

The RASC Next Generation scheme looks for candidates under the age of 40 with an involvement in agriculture who also have the potential to contribute to the long term face of agriculture in the region, the country and the Commonwealth. During the conference, the RASC coordinates a separate Next Generation Forum where future leaders of the Commonwealth Agricultural Societies meet together, learn and discuss related issues.

For details on how to join the Glendale Agricultural Society contact 01668 283 868 or email [email protected].  Further information can be found on – www.glendaleshow.com.

For more information on the RASC Commonwealth Agricultural Conference please visit http://www.rna.org.au/rasc.aspx.