UK agricultural course applications rise 20%

This summer, the number of applicants soared to 9400, up from 7900 in 2019, according to the latest data from UCAS.

The popularity of working in the food and farming sector in Scotland is growing year on year, with SRUC reporting increased numbers of applicants since 2021.

Marketing and student recruitment manager at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Hannah D’Mellow, said: “Our courses consider the innovative science that supports land-based and rural industries, the way they interact with and support the environment around them, as well as the businesses that rely on them.

“We are still receiving applications for our agriculture courses at HNC, HND, and degree levels for the 2024/25 academic year. However, we have seen increases every year since 2021, with numbers up to 334 in 2023/24. Other agriculture-related courses, such as Rural Animal Health, are also proving very popular with young people who are keen to work in the rural sector.”

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There have been increased applicants for courses in farming and food

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This news comes as regional colleges have been cutting back their agricultural offerings in recent years due to budget constraints and declining application numbers. Many courses must wait until all applications have been received before lecturers decide whether they will run. However, increased demand could reverse the trend.

The increase in applications for agricultural courses has been welcomed by many in the farming sector, where labour shortages have been identified as one of the key challenges to sustainability. The need for skilled labour to work with livestock and machinery is becoming increasingly pressing on farms.

Interestingly, applications are not just coming from those with a rural background – many are from urban areas, with individuals keen to work in farming and food.

Alison Hamilton, who comes from a family dairy farm near Strathaven, is preparing to start an HNC in agriculture at Barony College, says agriculture has broad appeal.

She explained: “I think more young people from the town are getting involved, having come along to Young Farmer events with their friends. Additionally, there is a wide variation in roles within the sector, allowing everyone to find something they enjoy. Our industry is always looking for workers, as there are fewer and fewer people willing to do the work due to the demanding nature of the sector.

“There are also a diverse range of learning opportunities, whether in college and university courses or apprenticeships, offering a more flexible and hands-on learning experience.”

The rise in applications, particularly in England, has been partly attributed to popular farming television shows such as Clarkson’s Farm and the BBC’s This Farming Life.

Chief officer of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs in England, James Eckley, noted the popularity of these shows among young farmers, stating: “It has brought the countryside and farming to the public’s attention.”

Senior lecturer in agriculture at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire, where animal and agriculture courses are a focus, Brian Evans, reported a 30% increase in applications this year.

He added, “Students have said that the recent spate of farming TV shows like Clarkson’s Farm ... have been vital in showcasing to young people the different opportunities and farming way of life.”

She explained: “I think more young people from the town are getting involved, having come along to Young Farmer events with their friends. Additionally, there is a wide variation in roles within the sector, allowing everyone to find something they enjoy. Our industry is always looking for workers, as there are fewer and fewer people willing to do the work due to the demanding nature of the sector.

"We also offer a diverse range of learning opportunities, whether in college and university courses or apprenticeships, offering a more flexible and hands-on learning experience.”

The rise in applications, particularly in England, has been partly attributed to popular farming television shows such as Clarkson’s Farm and the BBC’s This Farming Life.

Senior lecturer in agriculture at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire, where animal and agriculture courses are a focus, Brian Evans, reported a 30% increase in applications this year.

He added, "Students have said that the recent spate of farming TV shows like Clarkson's Farm ... have been vital in showcasing to young people the different opportunities and farming way of life."

Scotland director for Lantra, Dr Liz Barron-Majerik commented: “Farming influencers can have a really positive effect, showcasing to potential new entrants the variety of roles within the agriculture sector. Research found that whilst farming influencers were having a positive impact on school pupil's perceptions of farming, the social platform algorithms seemed to favour showing farming content to those who lived in rural communities, over those who lived in urban areas – further emphasising that urban/rural divide!

"Last year we supported 273 applications for training for Women in Agriculture and 336 from new entrants through the Next Generation training fund and I know that there has been increased interest in apprenticeships and college-based agriculture education and training too.

"However, we also found that parents and influencers were more likely to try to put their children off a career in farming if they had concerns about the risks associated with farming. So it is important that we share the joys of farming and the training and support available, as well as communicating the challenges that farmers can face."