Aspiring agricultural journalists are invited to apply for the 30th annual British Guild of Agricultural Journalists John Deere Training Course.
Taking place from 6-8 July at John Deere’s UK & Ireland headquarters in Langar, Nottinghamshire, the free course gives 10 trainees an immersive introduction to the industry, combining classroom-based learning with an enviable work placement.
“Looking at back at the names of the people who have completed the course, it is amazing to see how many of them went on to forge careers in journalism and communications and are still working in the sector today,” said Chris Wiltshire, John Deere’s Tactical Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland.
“Agriculture is a great industry served by a vibrant farming media, but we need to make sure that keen, talented people continue to be attracted to it. We are proud to support the course and the people who attend it.”
The course is primarily aimed at graduates, journalists with fewer than 12 months’ practical work experience, and young people keen to explore what the sector offers. But all applications will be considered on their merit.
Following the classroom-based sessions led by journalism lecturer David Mascord and specially selected guest speakers, attendees go on to complete a work placement. This will be with a national farming publication, an agricultural public relations agency, or the communications department of a business which works with farmers.
Each course member will then submit their best piece of work, with the winner taking home the overall John Deere Training Award and £250 first prize. A runner-up will also receive £100. Both prize-winners are invited to be guests at the BGAJ’s flagship Harvest Lunch event in London.
The 2024 winner of the award was Tori Charlton, with Caryl Davies claiming the runner-up place.
Since 1991, the course has helped to produce some of the leading editors, correspondents and communications leaders working in the industry today, pausing only a handful of times due to animal diseases or industry crises.
Applicants, who must be studying and/or a resident in Great Britain, have until Friday 28 February 2025 to return a completed application form, which you can request from johndeere@evecommunications.co.uk or download the application form here.
The cost of the training and accommodation in Nottingham while attending the course are covered by John Deere.
