Agristart - Growing skills, growing confidence

The Lantra Wales AgriStart programme is a game-changer for young people aged 16-40 from non-farming backgrounds across Powys, offering them free, accredited training in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. At a time when the farming sector faces challenges in attracting fresh talent, AgriStart is providing a vital pathway for young people to gain the skills and confidence needed to enter this essential industry.

One standout example of the programme’s impact is Molly Singleton, who lives in Brecon and works for Action for Conservation and spoke to me about her experience on the AgriStart programme. As a youth leader passionate about connecting young people with the natural world, Molly had no prior experience with farming. But she saw the AgriStart livestock handling course as a unique opportunity to deepen her understanding of farmers’ daily challenges while also enhancing her ability to lead conservation programmes.

The training, led by instructor Jimmy Hughes, blended theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, giving participants like Molly the confidence to work with livestock. Molly shared how transformative the experience was:

“I’ve always been on the sidelines when it came to working with livestock, but now I feel confident stepping in and contributing. The course has helped me better understand what our tenant farmers go through daily, which is crucial when I’m bringing young people to the estate. It’s also opened up new opportunities for me to engage school groups and youth programmes in hands-on conservation.”

The course wasn’t just about Molly’s personal growth—it also equipped her to bring real-world farming experiences into her youth work, bridging the gap between young people and the countryside. Molly’s newfound skills are now helping her lead conservation programmes that are rooted in understanding and respect for the land.

The farming industry plays a vital role in our economy, environment, and communities, and initiatives like AgriStart ensure it continues to thrive. By creating pathways for new talent to enter the sector, Lantra is addressing a critical need while empowering young people with skills that will benefit them for life.