Suffolk college farm at Otley takes on new farm manager

Toby Greenhalgh, 30, from Brandeston, says he is "over the moon" after being chosen as Suffolk Rural College's farm manager.

"I have big plans to expand the farm," he says.

"I do a weekly farm walk to look at the crops, hedges, wildlife and grass. Our grass isn’t very good here at the moment so we will put a focus into improving this and the health of the soil - and this can help us increase the amount of livestock we can look after.

“We now have chickens, ducks, goats, sheep and cows and we are really enthused by how well our farm shop has been going."

He is delighted at the opportunity to work in the community, pass on his knowledge to new generations and link up with local employers, he says.

Toby - who started in July - is originally from the Cotswolds.

(Image: Suffolk Rural College) Although not from a farming background, he enjoyed working outdoors and this eventually led to him gaining a degree in farm management from the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester and working on several farms in the UK before being taken on by Suffolk Rural - part of Suffolk New College - in Otley, near Ipswich.

He is keen to encourage new generations into the industry and wants to engage with local businesses to ensure the agricultural roots of the college are respected and continue to thrive.

After GCSEs he attended Hartbury College, Toby landed a job on a dairy farm and spent four years in New Zealand before returning to study.

“My passion for farming started when I was younger. My grandmother had a one-acre plot where she kept chickens and grew vegetables. My brother’s girlfriend lived on a farm and I also used to work there during school holidays," he explains.

“While my background isn’t agricultural, I’ve just grown to love the industry and enjoy being outdoors. I just love the seasons and it’s great when you put in all the hard work and then get to see the outcome at the end.

“Although not from Suffolk, I enjoy living here. It’s really scenic, untouched, I live near the coast and the climate is pretty decent.

“And my first impressions of the college are very positive.

“I’ve already reached out and met a few local farmers and they have been helpful and supportive. I’m really excited by what we can achieve.

“I think farming is becoming more popular. Many articles talk about ‘the Clarkson effect’  -because of Clarkson’s Farm - but I don’t think it’s all about that.

“You have some high-profile people on social media like Zoe Colville, Sarah Langford and Cammy Wilson and I think more people got a taste for outdoor living during Covid."

It's "great" to see more women entering the industry, he says.

“On our T Level course – we have about a 40% to 60% split of males and females. That is different to when I was at college around 14 years ago.

"And the agri-tech side of it is encouraging people in. Drones are going to play a massive part in the farms of the future – even more so than they are now."

He is looking forward to the Suffolk Show next year and Otley's own annual family farm day - Big Day Out.

“I’m over the moon to have got this job and to have the opportunity to work in this great community, pass on my knowledge to new generations and link up with local employers.

“I’ve already spoken to some neighbouring farms, and I want to talk to our long term supporters like The Felix Cobbold Trust and the Suffolk Agricultural Association, agronomists and suppliers and to invite them in to chat to us, have a bite to eat at Christmas, have look around the farm and see how we can best work together for the benefit of the industry. My message to everyone is - come and work with us," he says.

“Also at Christmas, we always go to two local primary schools and my colleague John Attridge gets dressed up as Farmer Christmas. I think I’m going to attend as an elf.

"It’s important to work with the local community and try and inspire youngsters to consider farming as a future career. Ultimately that is what the college is all about.”