Ben Chilman has obtained a raft of requests to look on TV and radio since he received the coveted Farmers Weekly Ag Pupil Award final autumn.
The newest was from BBC Midlands Immediately, which spoke to him about phosphate ranges within the River Wye.
“They wished a farmer’s standpoint and the River Lugg, a tributary of the Wye, flows by our land,” says the 23-year-old, who’s again on the blended household farm in Herefordshire.
See additionally: What makes an ag pupil an award winner?
Ben, who graduated from Harper Adams College in 2022, jumped on the probability to convey key farming messages.
“I used to be eager to emphasize that whereas farming does, in fact, have a task to play in protecting rivers clear, it’s additionally vital farming stays viable, if new laws is launched.
“I’m all the time aware that you simply don’t wish to come throughout as a moaner, so I do attempt to be optimistic.”
Do your homework
With expertise behind the mic, each as a commentator for his native soccer group and thru presenting his personal podcast, EweTurn, Ben approaches media interviews with a number of soundbites in thoughts, however doesn’t attempt to memorise feedback.
“Know your key messages, however don’t script it,” Ben says.
“Interviews could be intimidating, even after they’re not stay, however if you happen to’re trustworthy about your opinions and optimistic that may go a great distance.
“I’m not a fan of watching myself again, though it may be helpful to see the place you enhance.”
One request got here from BBC Hereford and Worcester, asking him to speak stay on the radio about Environmental Land Administration.
“I attempted to clarify that whereas there was a lot to be inspired by, I used to be apprehensive about the way forward for upland and tenanted farmers.
“The more serious factor that may occur is that if they are saying: ‘We tried to pay money for a farmer, however nobody wished to talk to us.’
“It’s vital the general public ought to hear from younger individuals. The older generations present the expertise, knowledge and information, however the youthful era is the one which should drive by adjustments over the approaching many years.”
Profitable system
Profitable the 2022 Ag Pupil of the Yr Award has been a unbelievable expertise and opened many doorways by way of giving him a platform, he says.
“I received nominated with out understanding, however I then was interviewed by a earlier winner and two of the FW group. It’s all the time good to be your self in an interview scenario. A smile goes a great distance, too.”
For these contemplating placing themselves ahead for the 2023 award, he recommends figuring out what makes you stand out.
“What have you ever achieved that is perhaps totally different to another person – maybe past your research? It won’t even be associated to farming and the countryside, but it surely’s one thing that exhibits you could have a talent set different individuals don’t. Suppose exterior the field!”
For Ben, the podcast definitely offered a speaking level.
He says: “I attempted to clarify our motivation for launching it was to have conversations about among the topics that aren’t talked about as a lot as they need to be – akin to psychological well being and isolation.
“That’s about the one drawback of being again dwelling on the farm in an remoted space, and I can go days – if not per week – with out seeing anybody, particularly at a busy time like lambing.
“However I adore it. Selection is the spice of life and no two days are the identical.”
The Farmers Weekly 2023 Ag Pupil of the Yr
The 2023 Ag Pupil of the Yr Award is open for entries now.
Enter your self or nominate somebody now on our Awards web site.
