Two Young Farmers have won the opportunity to develop their future in agriculture, thanks to a joint initiative between NFYFC and Massey Ferguson.

Max Rees from Maendy YFC in Glamorgan and Poppy Burrough of Marshwood Vale YFC in Dorset were selected from multiple entries to become ambassadors for Massey Ferguson's 'Home Grown Talent' initiative.


Winning ambassadors Poppy Burrough and Max Rees

Home Grown Talent is a joint project between Massey Ferguson and the NFYFC. It aims to recognise and support young people who want to be part of the agricultural industry but are unsure about the path they would like to take at this early stage of their career development.

This new initiative was open to Young Farmers Club members aged between 10 and 16 who are keen to pursue a future in agriculture.

As ambassadors, Max and Poppy will have a tailored programme created for them by Massey Ferguson. This programme will support them to learn more about the industry and hopefully give them an idea about what they would like to do in the future.

Included in this tailor made programme will be a trip to Massey Ferguson’s factory in Beauvais, France, work experience and activities with Massey Ferguson, an expenses paid trip to an agriculture / trade show and the opportunity to spend time with a Massey Ferguson mentor.

Max and Poppy, both aged 14, have expressed their gratitude at being chosen for this initiative.

Max Rees commented: “I really feel that this opportunity could change my life. I don't come from a generation of family farmers where farms are handed down in succession. I will not inherit a farming business and so it is up to me to make sure I have a place within the agricultural industry. Becoming a Massey Ferguson ambassador will give me that direction, experience and knowledge that is so difficult to obtain at my age. I will ensure that I make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity. I am thrilled to win. It’s going to be an enjoyable experience.”

Poppy is equally enthusiastic about the potential of her role as Home Grown Talent Ambassador. "I feel that agriculture is still widely viewed as a male profession,” she said. “Being female makes me more determined to encourage other girls who do not think that agriculture is a female job sector. Encouraging other girls to get involved in agriculture would mean a lot to me as I would play my part in developing the industry to include everyone. I was surprised and glad to hear that I had won. This is going to be a valuable experience I can use when going to college, university and for various jobs.”

Lindsay Haddon, advertising and sales promotion manager of Massey Ferguson, said: “The Home Grown Talent initiative was launched as part of Massey Ferguson’s dedication to help support the next generation of farmers with their careers in agriculture. We were extremely impressed by the applications we received from Max and Poppy and the mature and passionate answers they gave about why they wanted to be involved with this initiative. We hope that this gives them the leg up that they need in their future careers and I wish them both the very best of luck in their roles as Massey Ferguson ambassadors.”

Plans are already in place to hold the 'Home Grown Talent' initiative in 2016.