From Trainee to a Royal Handshake: My journey as an Oxford Farming Scholar
By Jamilla Mohammed (Group 54)
This month I attended the Oxford Farming Conference, not as a spectator but as a Scholar through the Breaking Barriers scholarship. (You can learn more about the conference on Anuj’s blog.)
The Breaking Barriers scholarship does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s all about increasing diversity in the industry and supporting people who might not always feel like they belong in spaces like this. Even better? It’s fully funded.
What sets this scholarship apart is everything before and beyond the conference. It is kindly sponsored by McDonald’s, with support from OFC Directors, Sheena Horner and Ben Williams, who facilitate mentoring sessions with industry fellows. I had the chance to visit McDonald’s HQ, learn how the sector can support neurodiversity from Liz Haines, and visit Harper Adams dairy farm. Through coaching and mentoring with industry experts, I have tackled my imposter syndrome and begin to figure out what my own path in food and agriculture could look like.
The conference itself was truly motivating – from hearing the latest on trade deals, to local growing initiatives in Europe, to the power of storytelling. It was also a reminder that young voices do belong in conversations about the future of farming.
I had the lucky experience to meet HRH Princess Anne and discuss sprout sizes and food prices. Although the camera man did not get me at the best angle!
Walking away from Oxford, I feel more excited about the future of our industry. Opportunities like this aren’t just about a conference – they’re about opening doors, building networks and being curious.
So if you ever see something that “feels out of reach” – apply anyway! You might just find yourself sitting in Oxford next to a beef farmer in Scotland or a New Zealand agricultural delegate.