Thirteen aspiring agricultural journalists have completed the first stage of the 2025 BGAJ John Deere Training Award, following an intensive three-day workshop held this week at the machinery manufacturer’s UK & Ireland headquarters in Langar, Nottinghamshire.
Now in its 30th year, the training course has helped launch the careers of many leading voices in agricultural media and communications. This year’s milestone edition was led by professional journalism tutor David Mascord and Guild Chair Ben Pike, offering participants expert guidance through a packed programme of writing tasks, feedback sessions, and industry insights.
Guest speakers Alex Black – the head of news and business for Farmers Guardian – and Farmers Weekly markets editor Charlie Reeve, set out their view of the sector and took questions from the group.
Alongside theory sessions, practical writing exercises, and proof reading tasks, participants put their interview and reporting skills to the test. Challenges included a mock press conference staged by the John Deere team to launch the new F8 and F9 foragers before producing an accurate and engaging news story.
The next stage of the award will see each candidate submit a finished article on efficiency and productivity, with the winner receiving a £250 prize and a seat at the Guild’s flagship Harvest Lunch in October.
The Guild is proud to continue this long-running partnership with John Deere in support of emerging talent in agricultural journalism.
This year’s intake was: Charlotte Allan-Lamb, Zoe Legg, Mary Perry, Olivia Skeoch, Martin Clay, Erica Thomas, Kate Goodwin, Tom Ryder, Zoe Geary, Kenneth Obayuwana, Harriet Lyon, Lois King and Mia Willemsen.
