Celebrating National Young Farmers' Week 2025

Many of the Brown&Co team are members of their local Young Farmers' Clubs, in celebration of National Young Farmers’ Week we hear from them and how this has aided their experience and career.

Jack Burchmore, Land Agent from our Oxford office has been a member of young farmers for 16 years and is Henley YFC Chairman. “It has played a key role in my land agency career by teaching me how to become a confident public speaker, be a team player, stock judging, and auctioneering. It is a great way to make lifelong friends with similar interests.”

Lucy Bates Land Agent in our St Neots office has been involved in Bedfordshire YFC County and North Beds YFC for the last 13 years.

“My involvement began as a club member, and then my role on the club committee began as the clubs Membership Officer before university.

My involvement with Young Farmers has been instrumental in my professional development. I have been lucky to continue the legacy of the North Beds club that my Grandpa initiated over 78 years ago.”

Emily Benson, Land Agent from our Norwich office is a member of Diss Young Farmers in Norfolk, and the club’s secretary for the 2025/26 year.

“I joined Norfolk Young Farmers when I first moved to Norfolk to start as a Graduate Land Agent at Brown&Co and it has given me the chance to meet lots of new people, and take part in the various competitions YFC has to offer.

YFC has helped to improve my confidence and now I'm coming to the end of my time as a Young Farmer it is great to give back to the newer members of the club by encouraging them to make the most out of what Young Farmers has to offer.”

Isabel Chennells from our Lincoln land agency team has been a member of Collingham YFC in Nottinghamshire for over 10 years.

“My YFC life often overlaps with my life at Brown&Co – last year I represented the East Midlands Area in the National Final for Auctioneering, a skill largely picked up through work and through mentoring by a colleague in the office. I also take part in public speaking competitions which gives me courage to speak at Brown&Co events in front of different audiences.

It's a fantastic organisation that I feel so lucky to be so involved with!”

Alice English is an Environmental Consultant from our Leicester office and currently serves as the Chair of her local YF club.

“I have actively participated in various activities, including tug of war and public speaking competitions, along with contributing to the Brown&Co valuations night during a club meeting.

Being part of YFC has provided me with valuable transferable skills, boosted my confidence, and helping build a network of contacts.”