Growing up on our beef and arable farm in Eaton, Leicestershire, has shaped my connection to the countryside. I’m Jessica Sharp, a 17-year-old, fifth generation young farmer, and I’ve always wanted to be part of the rural world. What I’ve come to realise is that there are many ways to do that, whether through farming itself or the businesses, organisations and people that support the countryside.
Working on my family farm, especially over the busy period of harvest has given me an appreciation of the work that goes into running a rural business and the challenges that come with it. It has also made me interested in how decisions made by government affect farming families, how rural communities can thrive and what needs to happen to ensure the countryside remains a place where future generations can build their lives.
Young Farmers has played a big part in my life since I joined at the age of 10. Over the years, I’ve taken on club & county roles, alongside competitions such as public speaking and Stockjudging. It has have given me many opportunities including standing up and speaking in front of people.
One of the most rewarding parts of my involvement in the rural sector has been having the opportunity to speak about issues affecting farming families. Through events at Westminster, including the recent Countryside Alliance’s Rural Reset campaign, I’ve met women who are passionate about protecting rural life and ensuring its concerns are heard. Taking part in the Rural Reset campaign was a particularly valuable experience, having the chance to speak on issues that affect my future, on behalf of the younger generation. It was encouraging to see people from different backgrounds coming together over issues that matter to the countryside, and it reinforced the importance of young people getting involved and speaking up.
The governments decisions on IHT made me change my career path so alongside my rural commitments, I’m now studying Business, Politics and English Language at A level. These subjects have helped me look at the countryside from different perspectives, from the commercial decisions behind running a business to the policies that influence how land is used and managed. They’ve complemented what I’ve learnt and love about the countryside and encouraged me to think more broadly about the opportunities available within the rural sector.
I’ve also been making the most of work experience with businesses, exploring rural consultancy, land agency and property has opened my eyes to careers I hadn’t previously considered. One experience that particularly interested me was visiting a farm with a surveyor and seeing the knowledge involved in assessing a property. It made me think about the value of understanding not just the land itself, but its buildings, features, potential and the decisions that will shape its future.
I’m now exploring university and apprenticeship routes into rural surveying, with the ambition of becoming a Rural Chartered Surveyor. I’m attracted to the variety of the work and the opportunity to build relationships with landowners, understand their needs and help them make informed decisions about their property and businesses. I’d also like to remain involved with our family farm, so that whatever direction my career takes, I want to maintain the connection.
Being at the start of my career journey, I'm excited to figure out the next steps into the rural industry. I am proactively seeking opportunities to keep learning, gaining experience and meeting new people to understand the different paths that are available.
I’m delighted to be featured by Women Who Work in Rural because I want other young women to see the range of opportunities the countryside can offer. For me, it’s about staying involved, making the most of opportunities and finding my own way to contribute to a countryside that I care deeply about. Whatever I go on to do, I am passionate about the countryside and hope to play a part in keeping rural Britain a place where future generations can live, work and thrive.
