Dairy industry "struggling to recruit" next generation

Emily and Georgie Paul are helping out on their family's dairy farm in Somerset.

Experts say that dairy farms are having a tough time attracting young individuals to enter the field.

A recruitment campaign has kicked off during the annual Dairy Show, taking place at the Royal Bath and West Showground, located near Shepton Mallet in Somerset.

Ruthie Peterson, who manages careers at The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture, pointed to "unfounded stereotypes" surrounding the farming industry.

"Many believe that the job is just about low wages, extended hours, and dirty work," she explained, "but the reality is quite the opposite."

Starting the day with milking is simply a regular task for Georgie Paul and her sister.

Emily Paul and her sister Georgie take great pleasure in helping out on their family’s dairy farm.

"You can't top the experience of being outside on a beautiful day," Emily remarked, nestled among her "gorgeous animals."

"It benefits your physical well-being and is also great for your mental wellness," the 24-year-old mentioned.

"Of course, it's not your typical nine-to-five job; it's more of a way of life. But honestly, I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Georgie spent several years away from home, working in the horse racing industry in a different rural field. She traveled around the globe and even took a job in the United States for a time. However, in the end, her love for her cows brought her back home.

"There’s truly no place like this, surrounded by family, livestock, farming, and everything else that comes with it."

The Mendip hills that Georgie is showing me look stunning on the sunny day I went to the farm. However, I can’t help but think about how many other 23-year-olds wake up every day at five in the morning to do the messy yet essential work of milking.

"It's an early beginning, and it happens every day," Emily nods in agreement.

"However, you can't overlook the beauty of sunrises; they are stunning in their own way."

Contemporary milking parlors feature advanced technology that gathers vast amounts of data.

However, it appears that Emily and Georgie are not like the others.

"It’s quite challenging to motivate young individuals to consider a career in dairy farming," explains Ruthie Peterson, the careers manager at The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture.

A recent poll among dairy farmers revealed that half of them struggled to find suitable employees.

She attributes the reluctance to pursue a career in dairy farming to what she refers to as "old-fashioned beliefs."

Today's dairy farms are utilizing robotic systems for milking cows, collecting vast amounts of data for analysis, and adopting eco-friendly technologies to lower their carbon footprint. They are also adjusting the cows' diets to minimize burping, which is a major contributor to methane emissions.

Ms. Peterson's team has created a collection of videos showcasing dairy farms, allowing students to gain a "virtual work experience" and see what contemporary farming is truly like.

The technology at play is truly remarkable, and we require highly trained individuals to manage it effectively.

At just 19 years old, Sophie Phillips is fully committed to pursuing a career in agriculture.

In addition to technology, traditional farming skills related to livestock management are also important.

In the cattle area at the Royal Bath and West Showground, Sophie Phillips proudly displays her latest ribbon. Her young Guernsey calf, named "Empress Bountiful Crunch," has just taken home the top award in her category.

At only 19 years old, Sophie is completely dedicated to agriculture.

"It's an incredibly fulfilling role," she shares with me.

"You're outside, focusing on building a future for yourself rather than for someone else, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Veterinary student Azra Anzar describes her experience with animals as "incredibly rewarding."

Outside, I came across some other young people distributing flyers; they were veterinary students aspiring to work on farms someday.

"I've had experience on various farms, including dairy farms, a sheep farm, and even an alpaca farm," shared Azra Anzar, a junior student.

"It's amazing to assist the animals and then witness them playing around the next day," the 22-year-old said. "The calves are really just big, playful puppies."

What’s the most enjoyable part of working with animals?

You might find it surprising, but I actually enjoy cleaning up waste! It's surprisingly soothing for me.

That's an aspect of farm life that hasn't been emphasized in the recruitment campaign.