City youngsters saw the technology and talent driving farming forwards at LAMMA 2026 – and the career opportunities available in food and agriculture.
They included the inaugural cohort of AgriFuture Scholars – young people taking part in NFU Education’s scholarship programme with the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society.
Farming future ideas
For many, it was their first encounter with farming and the career possibilities on offers. They spent the first day looking at cutting-edge machinery.
On the second day, Year 9 students from local Birmingham secondary schools took part in interactive workshops and guided activities, in collaboration with organisers Agriconnect, and sponsorship from AGCO.
The visits aim to help ensure that every young person – wherever they live and whatever their background – has the chance to discover how food is produced and to see themselves as part of farming’s future.
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos told listeners: “Introducing young people from wide and diverse backgrounds to the agricultural industry is vital for its future sustainability.
“Whether it’s students from local schools or scholars on our AgriFuture programme, giving them the chance to see modern farming up close helps bridge the disconnect so many feel from where their food comes from.
“Our hope is that these experiences spark ambition and show young people that farming is a dynamic, rewarding and essential industry – one that needs their talent, their ideas and their passion for the future.”
Agriconnect marketing manager Sophie Jackson-Holgate said: “We’re proud to be hosting NFU education students and scholars at LAMMA 2026 as part of the Future in Farming Zone, giving young people direct access to the industry.
Career pathways
“Many young people are unaware of the wide range of career pathways within the agriculture industry, making this a valuable opportunity to showcase the sector’s innovation and technology.
“By connecting students with farmers, manufacturers and industry leaders in this environment, we’re aiming to help them see the breadth of opportunities available and inspiring the next generation to build rewarding careers in agriculture.”
Technology
AGCO demonstrated some of the technology, diagnostic tools and fault-finding processes its dealer technicians use every day to identify and resolve electrical issues in modern agricultural machinery.
Ash Briggs from AGCO, which runs its own NexTech Programme, said: “We firmly believe that inspiring interest in agricultural engineering at an early stage is essential to securing the long-term future of our industry.”
Next year’s LAMMA event will be held on 20-21 January 2027