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Ian Watson
Manager at Louth Park Farms
Ian was born in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, following local education he left school at 16 and attended Norcat in Kings Lynn on the YTS programme and then attended Easton College on a part time basis, where he gained an NCA whilst working for Booker Farming near Kings Lynn. His educational history makes Ian a firm believer in workplace education and home-grown talent.
Ian moved to Louth in 1994 to work on another Booker Farming, Louth Park Farms. Ian has held various roles at Louth Park and in 2008 he became overall manager of both the arable and pea operations. Since 2008 he has remained at Louth, but the business has seen various corporate owners, in 2018 the business transferred to private family ownership. The Louth business is complex in that it is made up of 6 Contract Farming Agreements, 3 FBT’s. The pea operation is a co-operative of some 28 growers. Total area managed for the Louth business is circa 2800 ha’s, this makes managing expectations, communication and logistics key parts of the daily management.
Ian is married to Kathryn who is Clinical Lead for a coastal Primary Care Network, they have 2 sons, Tom who is 24 and works for a local agricultural buying group and Ben who is 16 and a student at Bishop Burton College.
Outside of work Ian is Chair of Governors for a Primary Federation and is a Governor of Bishop Burton College. Ian is an Alumni of the 62nd WCF AMB in 2013.
Why did I decide to join the Cultivate Success Program?
I am a strong believer in using experience to help others, but I never loose sight of the fact that every day is a school day. Mentoring is a 2-way street.
What I hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to be able to use my experience and life journey to guide others to accomplish their ambition.
Heather Claridge
Chief Executive of Woldmarsh
I have been the Chief Executive of Woldmarsh for nearly two and a half years, following eleven years as Chief Operating Officer. My career in the agricultural sector began in the early 1990s, with a particular focus on fertiliser, seed, and agrochemicals. My current role at Woldmarsh is diverse and dynamic, encompassing strategic leadership, staff mentoring, and hands-on operational involvement.
My professional qualifications include Chartered Membership of the Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS), membership of the Institute of Agricultural Management, and both FACTS and BASIS qualifications on the professional register. Additionally, I have been an active member of Vistage International for eleven years, further enhancing my leadership skills.
I joined this programme because knowledge transfer in the agricultural industry has always been of paramount importance to me. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of meeting exceptional individuals, and I now feel it's my turn to give back. When Helen approached me about Cultivate Success, even in its conceptual stage, I knew it was an initiative I wanted to support. Having witnessed talented professionals leave the industry due to insufficient support, I am passionate about addressing this issue.
From this experience, I hope to feel both challenged and rewarded. I anticipate being challenged in ways that promote self-reflection and continuous learning. The reward, I believe, will come from playing a part in making a difference—helping others approach situations from new perspectives and ultimately achieve their goals. To me, there could be no greater satisfaction than contributing to the success and growth of individuals within our industry.
linkedin.com/in/heather-claridge-0364562a
Matthew Naylor
Matt Naylor leads the Naylor group of companies, which includes Naylor Flowers Ltd, which produces 300ha of cut flowers, and Socius Ltd, a recruitment business supplying seasonal labour to farming businesses and processors.
He is a Farmers Weekly columnist, a Nuffield Scholar and a fellow of the Royal Ag Societies and the Royal Society of Arts.
"I felt drawn to this programme because I love seeing people fulfil their potential. I have been making my living from farming since 1989 and it is a form of therapy to share all the mistakes that I have made with younger people so that they might avoid them"
linkedin.com/in/matthew-naylor-1ab2a118
Imogen Olivant
I was recently made redundant from 7 years in breeding Barley in the research and development sector, upon this crossroads I joined the Cultivate Success programme to hopefully gain direction and open up vision to other career options within agriculture that are not sitting on a tractor all day long.
My mentor is expertly matched and first session in going swimmingly well. So far this programme has given me purpose and a road in which I feel I can progress.
I look forward to what the next few months holds!
Will Sanders
Dairy Farm Manager, Staffordshire
Dairy farm manager for over 5 years of a 640 grazing based spring calving herd in Staffordshire. Currently leading a team of 6 plus part time and students. From a non farming background, working on the dairy farm through school holidays and climbing the ladder through the industry.
Winner of the 2024 British Dairying Cream awards 'Commitment to people award'. I am passionate about milk from grazed grass and passionate about retaining people in farming.
Why did I decide to join the Cultivate Success Program?
I have learnt a lot about people over the past 5 years. I have a breadth of knowledge on grazing management and getting the best from milk from grass. I want to help others with the leadership of their teams to help people stay in the industry.
What I hope to gain from this experience?
I get great satisfaction from seeing others succeed.
I hope that will open up more networking opportunities for me to meet and learn from some great people in other industries in agriculture.
I see this as another step on my learning journey.
Umar Muhammad
Doctoral Researcher/PhD Candidate
Natural Resources Institute (NRI), University of Greenwich, London, UK
I am a dedicated food systems researcher and final-year PhD candidate focused on the cascading effects of disruptive shocks on agri-food value chains (AFVCs). My research has equipped me with a strong background in systems thinking, qualitative research, and stakeholder engagement. I am passionate about building resilient food systems, with a focus on sustainable and equitable solutions for global food security.
Why I Joined the Program:
I decided to join this program to connect with like-minded professionals and mentors who can help guide my career in food system resilience. The opportunity to engage with a diverse network is invaluable to my personal and professional growth.
What I Hope to Gain:
Through this experience, I hope to gain insights into practical applications of resilience-building strategies, expand my network within the agriculture industry, and strengthen my skills to better contribute to the global challenge of food security.
Philip Wynn OBE
Coming into agriculture in the early 1970’s from a non-farming background was considered unconventional, if not eccentric. But food and farming has provided me with a fascinating career, and I have been privileged to work alongside some of the industry’s best people.
My first 40 years were spent managing and developing farm businesses across the sectors but in the last decade my focus has shifted to strategic leadership, specialist consultancy and mentoring.
My commitment to a more integrated approach to the management of farms where commercial production sits comfortably alongside care for the environment and nature has been a constantly evolving journey.
“supporting the development of the next generation is incredibly rewarding. You can provide fresh perspectives, broader experience and unbiased feedback that helps them grow both personally and professionally”
Ed Cooper
Regional Arable Sales Manager - Timac Agro UK
Area Sales Manager in fertiliser and Soil/Crop Nutritionist Agronomist for past 20yrs+. MBPR who champions a systems approach to sustainable crop production and regenerative practices for improving soil health.
As a 4th generation farmers son, with a strong practical background, graduating from Harper Adams University in 1996 with BSc (Hons) in agriculture. I went onto farm management on a large diverse settled estate in the Scotish Borders and then onto family arable and contracting enterprise in Lincolnshire, where I gained my professional qualifications BASIS and FACTS.
In 2003 a career move lead me into recycled crop nutrition sales and agronomy. Which has since lead to a prolific career in business development management, technical sales and agronomy in crop nutrition and soil health. Driven by innovation, efficiently and sustainability in crop production.
Why I joined the Cultivate Success program:
For person development of interpersonal skills to be a better communicator and improve emotional intelligence. Gain newfound confidence and leadership skills, how to overcome adversity so that I can put into practice both personally and in business to help achieve my goals.
What I hope to gain from the experience:
Through professional mentoring gain insight into my own character and mindset, and how to adapt and improve communicate styles. Learn what motivates and demotivates me and how to put what I learn into best practise when setting goals and boundaries.
Peer to peer learning and be guided by successful people in agriculture and beyond. Learn from their own person journey, develop a growth mindset and embrace adversity to find meaning and evolve.
Newfound connections with new and existing friends in the world of agribusiness of likeminded people who wish to guide and support others achieve their goals.
linkedin.com/in/ed-cooper-41481b8b
James Thompson
Following my graduation from Newcastle University where I studied agriculture, I began my career as a Trainee Farm Manager and quickly progressed to becoming a Partner in a large-scale, 8,000-acre farming business in Carrington, West Lincolnshire.
Following the acquisition of Carrington Farms by Dyson Farming, I transitioned across to overseeing farming operations, playing a pivotal role in integrating cutting-edge on-farm technology with regenerative agricultural practices.
In my current role at Dyson Farming, I am also responsible for renewable energy initiatives and glasshouse operations, driving sustainability and innovation across the business.
I am passionate in promoting health and safety in agriculture which is reflected in my active membership on the HSE’s Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee (AIAC).
In addition to my responsibilities at Dyson Farming, I also farm 630acres independently, alongside operating my own bulk haulage transport business.
Why did you decide to join the program?
I have been fortunate to receive significant support and encouragement throughout my career, which has played a key role in my achievements.
Motivated by this, I am committed to giving back to the agriculture industry by supporting young people, particularly those who may not have had the same opportunities. I aim to be instrumental in fostering positive change and nurturing the next generation of agricultural talent.
Paul White
Partner at Brown&Co
Paul joined Brown&Co in 1989 and has been a Partner since 2002. He advises on a wide variety of farming enterprises to include arable, root, vegetable and livestock on financial, structural and strategy matters to include business reviews, business and enterprise planning, whole farm budgets and cashflows, contract farming, labour and machinery joint ventures on both farms and estates.
Paul’s expertise lies in advising businesses both large and small in positive situations or those with more challenging circumstances.
Paul is a member of BIAC and the IAgrM.
Paul has a family background in arable and root farming in Lincolnshire.
'I do some mentoring as part of my daily role running a team in our Lincoln office and thought passing on some of this experience might be valuable to others'
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Matt Merrivale
Agricultural Business Consultant at Brown and Co
I am a passionate agriculturalist with a fierce thirst for learning. Farming is in my blood; I see agriculture as an industry that is often overlooked despite its global importance. As an Agri-Business Consultant I specialise in advising on business strategies, improving farm efficiency, and addressing the unique challenges of the agricultural sector, combining my deep-rooted understanding of practical farming with modern business practices.
Land management is vital for food production, environmental conservation, and energy generation. My aim is to help facilitate, empower UK farmers, showcasing them as world leaders in our industry.
Why did I decide to join the Cultivate Success Program?
I decided to join the cultivate success program in the hopes to engage and learn from experienced professionals who can offer different perspectives and further my own professional development.
What I hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to gain invaluable personal insights, constructive criticisms, encouragement, and enhanced industry knowledge as well as new friends and connections.
Nick Dowler
Having a background perhaps a little different to most in the project I thought my contribution could be useful. Although always having a keen interest in agriculture I began my working life as an educator concluding with a twenty three year stint as a Headteacher.
Only then did I realise I’d missed my true vocation in life and switched to stock farming. I began with cattle and then introduced sheep and after a few years became exclusively sheep.
As land was a issue I specialised in pedigree animals of good quality rather than bulk and to that end remained a small farm with additional land loaned as an when required.
If my experience can guide others to a more successful and therefore enjoyable career then the satisfaction of that is it’s own reward.
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