Exeter's James Baker in farming competition final
James Baker from Cockwood, Exeter, has reached the final in a nationwide competition launched by Farmers Weekly to find the UK’s brightest farming talent.
He will be joining nine other hopefuls at a gruelling five-day Farmers Apprentice Bootcamp (22-26 October) in the hope of winning a £10,000 prize to kick-start a career in farming.
Throughout the week James and his competitors, all aged between 18 and 25, will be mentored and tested through a range of 21st century farming challenges – from putting together a watertight business plan and using cutting edge technology, to practical farm tasks like working with livestock and engaging with the general public.
The final ten were picked on the basis of a 60-second video entry video that conveyed their passion for farming, creative flair, business acumen, good communication skills and ambition for the future.
Head judge Christine Tacon tweeted: “Entries fantastic for @farmapprentice: such variety, enthusiasm and even humour. We need every one of them in our industry.”
The wannabe apprentices will be filmed throughout their bootcamp experience, from the moment they wake up in the morning, to the moment their head hits the pillow at night. A series of six webisodes will be screened online in November, before the overall winner is announced on 18 December.
The farming industry needs 60,000 new entrants in the next 10 years, and Farmers Weekly launched the Farmers Apprentice competition, sponsored by McDonalds, to help young people from all walks of life get a foot on the farming career ladder.
More about James Age: 19 From: Cockwood, Exeter Background: Self-employed with his own maintenance business, but also works full-time in the local gym and runs a flock of 35 ewes on a small holding at home in Devon. Ambitions: To develop his business of rearing lambs to sell locally and eventually diversify into pig farming How would you spend the £10k? Upgrade equipment, rent more land and focus on building the sheep business Which celebrity should be the face of British farming? Jeremy Clarkson Quote: “As you can tell, I’m hard working and regularly work 100 hour weeks. If I win the money I would jack in the full time job and focus on my main goal.”
Follow James’ progress at bootcamp on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/farmersapprentice Twitter: @farmapprentice Web: www.farmersapprentice.co.uk
