Jeremy Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm has not only boosted public appreciation of farming, it is also inspiring a new wave of students to pursue agritech and land management careers.
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester has reported significant rises in applications for its land-based courses. The biggest increase was in its three-year rural land management BSc with placement, up 18 per cent year-on-year, closely followed by a 14 per cent jump in its two-year foundation degree in the same field. Applications to broader agricultural degrees also climbed by 4 per cent, with those offering placements up by 8 per cent.
Daniella Miles, RAU’s head of student recruitment, believes the programme is broadening perceptions of the industry: “It’s looking like programmes like Clarkson’s Farm are having an effect. It seems to be spreading much further than ‘I can do farming’… there’s an interest in all the other courses and roles involved in farming that is increasing as well.”
At Harper Adams University, which runs courses in robotics, precision farming and agricultural engineering alongside traditional degrees, the impact has been just as strong. Senior lecturer Andrew Black highlighted the influence of agronomist Charlie Ireland, known on the show as “Cheerful Charlie”, in sparking more students to explore professional pathways such as crop science, technology and land management. Vice-Chancellor Ken Sloan said the series had showcased the diversity of modern agriculture: from automation and digital technology to property, environment and food supply chain roles.
Plumpton College in East Sussex has also seen a lift. Principal Jeremy Kerswell described it as part of a “long-term upswing” in student numbers, but acknowledged Clarkson’s series has given agritech and land management courses extra visibility.
By highlighting the behind-the-scenes expertise that keeps farms running, Clarkson’s Farm is planting seeds of interest in the high-tech future of agriculture as much as in farming itself.
