The latest cohort of aspiring journalists have completed the 2024 BGAJ John Deere Training Course with 11 attendees looking to take the next steps in their careers.
The three-day course was led by professional journalism tutor and journalist David Mascord and was held at John Deere’s head office in Langar, Nottinghamshire.
Focusing on learning the basics of good journalism, the course featured in-depth discussions on how to write strong prose for a range of titles, how to apply these skills to the world of agriculture, and the many opportunities that are available to those pursuing a career in the sector.
Two guest speakers were invited to the course to share their experiences – Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley, and Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay, both members of the Guild. Abi completed the course herself in 2017.
Olivia spoke about what she looks for in a prospective journalist when recruiting new talent to the Agriconnect business which owns a number of titles and events within agriculture including Farmers Guardian, LAMMA and CropTec.
Abi spoke of her own experience of investigative journalism, explaining how some of her stories had attracted huge mainstream press attention.
A major aspect of this year’s course was the participation in a John Deere press conference led by Chris Wiltshire, John Deere’s tactical marketing manager in the UK and Ireland. The event focused on the new T5, T6 and S7 combines, giving the participants the chance to have a look around the machines and pose questions about technology, automation, costs, and sustainability.
Attendees were challenged to produce sharp copy through a variety of practical writing exercises including the submission of a news story against a short deadline. Theory sessions covered the basics of journalism and group work.
One of the highlights of the course was a John Deere driving experience, with the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a wide variety of machines, including a 6R 155, 6R 185, 7R 350, and 8RX 410.
“The BGAJ John Deere training course has been completed by many of the top agricultural journalists in the sector and John Deere is incredibly proud to play a part in shaping the careers of these aspiring journalists over the past three decades,” said Chris Wiltshire.
“The agricultural sector is always in need of top-notch journalists to recruit and communicate the work that our industry undertakes.”
The course wasn’t all learning; a social element was built into the second night to give the group the opportunity to get to know each other both professionally and personally.
Participants will now complete work experience in the sector and compete for the 2024 John Deere Training Award, which requires participants to submit a 500-word written news story for a chance to win the £250 first prize and a place at the BGAJ Annual Harvest Lunch in London later this year. A runner up will win £100 and also join the Harvest Lunch as a guest of John Deere.
Applications for the 2025 training course will open later this year.
