Applications for the 2026 British Guild of Agricultural Journalists John Deere Training Course have opened, marking the start of the latest search for the next generation of talented reporters and communications professionals.
Running for the 31st time, the course has helped to produce some of the leading editors, correspondents, and communications leaders working in the industry today.
The 2026 course will return this summer from 5-7 July at John Deere’s UK & Ireland headquarters in Langar, Nottinghamshire.
It sees 10 individuals given an immersive introduction to the world of journalism and is open to any aspiring communicators, whether they are from an agricultural background or not.
After the course, attendees will complete a work placement with a national farming publication, an agricultural public relations agency, or within the communications department of a business that works with farmers.
Each course member will then enter their best piece of work to be judged, with the winner taking home the overall John Deere Training Award and £250 first prize. A runner-up also receives £100. Both prize-winners are invited to be guests at the BGAJ’s flagship Harvest Lunch event in London. The 2025 winner of the award was Tom Ryder, with Mary Perry claiming the runner-up place.
“The John Deere Training Award has been completed by many of the top agricultural journalists in the sector and we are really proud to have played a part in shaping their careers,” said Chris Wiltshire, Tactical Marketing Manager at John Deere.
“The agricultural sector is always in need of top-notch journalists to communicate the work our industry undertakes, and that need has arguably never been more important.”
The course is led by journalism lecturer David Mascord who runs practical exercises to introduce topics such as news and featuring writing, as well as a mock press conference.
Guest speakers from leading positions in agricultural journalism will address the group, and participants will get the opportunity to put John Deere’s tractors through their paces with a driving experience.
Guild Chair Ben Pike said: “It is vital that we attract more talent to agricultural communications, and this training course has been delivering fresh new journalists into the industry for over three decades.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn how journalism works, meet like-minded people, and get a proper insight into the career opportunities that are available. I would urge anyone thinking of a career path in agricultural journalism to apply for this course.”
Applicants, who must be studying and/or a resident in Great Britain, have until 26 February 2026 to return a completed application form, which you can request from ben@evecommunicatons.co.uk.
The course is aimed at those looking to find work within the industry, or journalists with fewer than 12 months’ practical work experience, but all applications will be considered on their merit.
John Deere’s generous sponsorship means that all attendees have the cost of the training, accommodation, and food and drink covered, removing any financial barriers to attendance.
The training course at Langar and course accommodation in Nottingham are free of charge, although successful applicants are expected to cover their own out of pocket expenses.
