Should I stay or should I go?

Welcome to Shed TalksIn this episode, hosts Josh Redford and Naomi Williams‑Roberts explore one of the biggest questions facing young people in farming today: is it better to stay on the farm after leaving school, or head away to gain new skills before returning?To unpack the realities behind the decision, they speak to two young farmers who took very different routes. John Fairlie left his family farm in Angus to work in finance before returning with new skills and a fresh perspective. Maria Warne Elston, a fifth‑generation farmer from Cornwall, stayed closely involved in her family’s beef, sheep and arable farm, briefly working as a veterinary nurse before returning full‑time and sharing her farming life online.Together, they discuss the benefits and drawbacks of staying or leaving, the pressures young farmers face when making the choice, and how to work out what’s right for you and your business.In Westminster, the team provide an update on the key political moments shaping the months ahead, including preparations for the upcoming NFU Conference, speculations about the King’s Speech, and the implications of the Spring Forecast for farm businesses.To close the episode, the hosts turn to Mind Your Head Week (9–13 February) and highlight NFU member Sam Stables, who is preparing to walk 142 miles in five days to raise awareness of mental health in farming. Starting at Ross‑on‑Wye market and finishing at the Farmers Club in London, Sam’s route will take him through Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, staying with farmers along the way.Sam founded the charity We Are Farming Minds with his wife Emily after their own mental health struggles. The charity now supports farmers across the UK and has the Prince of Wales as its patron, building on the Mental Health Strategy launched by the Duchy of Cornwall in 2023. Sam shares why this walk matters, what he hopes to highlight during Mind Your Head Week, and why supporting the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs is more important than ever. To follow Sam's journey or to find out how to get involved, head to - https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/sam-stables-missionThis episode comes with a trigger warning as it discusses some sensitive topics, if you are struggling and need additional support, please reach out:Yellow Wellies - https://www.yellowwellies.org/We Are Farming Minds - https://www.wearefarmingminds.co.uk/Key themes and takeawaysThere is no single “right” path — staying or leaving depends on each farm’s circumstancesLeaving the farm can bring valuable skills, confidence and perspectiveStaying on the farm can build deep experience, continuity and family resilienceYoung farmers face financial, emotional and practical pressures when making career decisionsSocial media is reshaping how young farmers share their stories and influence the industryMental health support remains vital across rural communitiesSam Stables’ 142‑mile walk highlights the importance of Mind Your HeadWeek and the work of We Are Farming MindsNFYFC plays a crucial role in supporting, developing and connecting young people in agricultureWestminster is gearing up for a pivotal period, with NFU Conference, the King’s Speech and the Spring Forecast all shaping the policy landscapeListen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.