Passionate students explore the future of farming

RGS students who feel passionate about the future of farming have launched the school’s first Agricultural Society.

The sixth formers, who aspire to careers in everything from agricultural engineering to rural land management and veterinary medicine, have enjoyed exploring a wide range of topics during their weekly meetings.

These include how selective breeding in cattle has changed the animals' characteristics over time and how we are preparing for the increasing demands on our finite resources from a growing world population.

One of the founding members, Nathan Callahan, who has won a degree apprenticeship place in rural land management with GSC Grays and Harper Adams, said: “I started this society to develop my own understanding of the agricultural field.

“We have created presentations to discuss topics such as how land agents help navigate the legalities and sustainability requirements of farm ownership.

“This has helped increase our knowledge of innovations in farming and supporting fields, and my participation has helped prepare me for my future studies."

Co-chair of the society, Tom Hirst, who plans to study agricultural engineering, added: “Being a part of the society has allowed me to further deepen my knowledge of the world of agriculture; from agricultural methods in the UK to global strategies and looking to the future in terms of demands on the Earth’s resources.

“Sharing this among my peers has helped me spread information about a topic I feel truly passionate about and have first-hand experience in. I aim to further pursue this research as I study to become an agricultural engineer and watch as the world of agriculture revolutionises in real time.”