Upper Teesdale's young farmers ponder what the future might hold

If you grow up on a farm in upper Teesdale, the assumption is you will follow in the family’s footsteps. But is that necessarily the case? Reporter Stuart Laundy canvassed the thoughts of Utass youth club members

IT’S a Thursday night and spirits are high at the youth club based at Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (Utass), in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
It’s a place where youngsters from far flung farms in the upper dale can mix, socialise and let off steam for a couple of hours.
For those in their mid to late teens, the assumption is they will be the next generation of farmers.
But is that necessarily the case?
There are two contrasting views of where the industry currently stands.
Rachel Knight, of insurance brokers Farmers and Mercantile, says that with the age profile of farmers now approaching 60, many are retiring and not being replaced by sons and daughters who have little interest in an industry where long hours are worked for little return due to low prices and small margins.
She points to statistics which show 50 per cent of UK farms are now in the hands of the over 55s, while just three per cent are held by the under 35s.
“Historic poor financial returns mean that some farm businesses cannot afford to support the retiring farmer as well as the next generation taking over.
“Statistics show that farming in the UK contributes in the region of £8billion to the economy and this is in decline.
“It is thought that by 2040, only 53 per cent of British food will be produced by domestic farmers. This will have further implications for the economy, jobs and security and detract further from the young people pursuing a career in agriculture.”
Perhaps not surprisingly, the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) takes a rather different view to this gloomy outlook.
For starters, the federation points out that the UK’s 150,000 or so farms account for six per cent of all UK businesses, employing 660,000 people.
“Despite the often negative press, opportunities in agriculture are alive and well,” says the NFYFC.
“In fact, the industry is calling out for the next generation to help shape the future of farming – and our young farmers are leading the way.
“If you are interested in a career in agriculture but have no background in farming, it may seem like an impossible task.
“At the NFYFC, we’re working with our members to help them, industry and the government to highlight the many opportunities in agriculture through training schemes, partnerships and networking.
“Whether it’s offering members ways to develop their skills or giving them a political voice in Europe, NFYFC runs a range of activities to support future farmers.”
Back at Utass, a quick show of hands – or rather a lack of hands – shows the bright lights of the big city hold little allure for those gathered.
Jack Addison, from Mickleton, is studying sports science and business studies at Teesdale School’s sixth form and professes himself “quite happy with how life is going at the moment” while Luke Scott, who is studying for his GCSEs at Teesdale School adds: “I don’t think I am missing out on anything.”
In our unscientific show of hands, everyone present imagines they will be involved in farming in some way, shape or form as they get older.
But that isn’t to say everyone is the same.
Luke’s older brother James, 18, has taken what might be considered a traditional route to further his farming skills.
He spent two years studying levels two and three agriculture at Newton Rigg College, in Penrith, living away five days a week and returning home at weekends.
“It was good to get away,” he says.
The courses offered an alternative view and different way of farming than he had been used to.
“It was worthwhile doing and I would recommend it to anyone.”
Luke, who professes himself “more practical than academic” is planning to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
An alternative view is offered by Max Gleave, 15, from Bowlees.
“I need to have a trade behind me so I can always do something else,” he says.
One who has already trod this path is 18-year-old Edwin Wood, from Newbiggin.
After leaving school, he took time out from the family farm, which includes 100 cattle and 400 sheep, to attend college in Norfolk for training which qualified him to operate 50-ton diggers and other heavy plant machinery.
Now self-employed, he can work on pretty much any construction site and in any kind of quarry.
“Mum and dad wanted me to learn something different so that if I lost interest in farming or something happened to Raby, then I had other skills,” he says.
“I went to Norfolk in September 2015 because it is the leading construction college in the country.
“It was the first time I had ever been away. I was looking forward to it but it was a bit daunting – not least because I had just passed my driving test.
“I enjoyed being away – it was good craic with all the other people – and I would recommend it to others.”
Apparently, college life wasn’t as wild is he thought it might be – Kings Lynn, it seems, isn't the liveliest of places.
Edwin now works for himself, most recently contracting for Kearton at a quarry in Boldron.
Working on diggers and machinery has also taken him to Lanark and Dalbeattie, in Scotland.
However, he is always available to help out on the farm at weekends and, says Edwin, being self employed means he can be more flexible.
“If I am needed on the farm, then I can take a few days out to help,” he says.
At some point in the dim and distant future, he appreciates he will probably have to make a decision between whether to go into farming full time or whether to stay with the diggers and machines.
Edwin sums it up like this: “Farming is more of a living than a job. It is a hard life and rewarding, but you are not making a lot out of it.
“When you go away and work, you know where you are and there is a lot to be said for that.”