Fourth-generation beef farmer Oliver Surman, of Upton on Severn, spoke to a 240-strong group of teenagers at The Chase School, Malvern, on 20 May in his role as an NFU Farmers for Schools ambassador.
Oliver said it was strange being back at the secondary school where he was a pupil in the 1980s and 1990s but that he enjoyed every minute.聽
What was covered?
Oliver said he spoke to the group about his journey from being a pupil to his time at university and being away from the family business before returning to the farm.
鈥淚 spoke at length about the work put in to produce food and our diversifications at the business, including Pegoty Hedge which is our organic meal brand, as well as sustainability and the environment," he said.聽
They also covered imports and exports and how we trade, alongside British standards. "We even took a look at green energy, renewables and land use,鈥� he added.
Pupils a 'credit to the school'
鈥淚 think we have real interest from the next generation coming through.鈥�
NFU Worcestershire Chair Oliver Surman
Oliver said the pupils were fantastic and asked some really interesting questions even coming up afterwards to ask for more information about the industry.
鈥淭hey were really interested, had great manners and I must say they were a real credit to the school,鈥� Oliver added.
鈥淎s expected, climate change and extreme weather featured and I spoke about the work being done up and down the county to tackle these challenges and how farms are doing their part to provide solutions.鈥�
Inspiring for all
Claire Finch, of The Chase careers team, said it was fantastic to welcome Oliver back.聽
She said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 vital that our students understand the importance of food provenance, farming and the environment, not just as global issues, but the real career opportunities too. 聽
鈥淲e extend our thanks to Oliver for sharing his story and inspiring students with his insights.鈥澛�
During his tour, Oliver said it was slightly strange being back and while much was familiar, he was pleased to see new buildings and developments and the investment made to help students study and improve their learning experience.
聽鈥淚鈥檇 like to thank the staff and pupils for the welcome and I think we have real interest from the next generation coming through,鈥� he added.
鈥淲e had a good chat about allied trades including soil scientists, crops specialists, engineers, vets and the many others who help us as farmers put food on the table.
鈥淚 certainly covered a lot of ground but I am really looking forward to coming back to the school as an NFU ambassador in the future.鈥澛�
He also encouraged students to visit a farm on Open Farm Sunday on 8 June with their families and to consider taster days at some of the colleges in the area to get a feel for agricultural and horticultural careers.
After the presentation, a Year 9 student said she found it interesting to learn where her food came from and, since the assembly, had considered pursuing a role within the agricultural sector.聽
Interested in becoming a Farmers for Schools ambassador? Find out more.
