Member Article

Students Get Support from George F White

George F White, the land and property specialists, has offered students from Newcastle University a chance to gain real and practical experience to complete a critical part of their agricultural degree.

As part of their course, students are required to prepare a business plan in support of a tender to rent a farm. The University really needed the students to visit and use a real life example, which is where George F White stepped in, providing Broxfield Farm near Alnwick for the project.

Dr Philip Cain, Senior Lecturer in Farm Business Management, at Newcastle University said “We could not run these projects without the help and co-operation of local farmers. It is essential that students are exposed to real-life business situations in their farm management course. Broxfield Farm gave the students a great opportunity to apply their management knowledge due to its size and mixture of enterprises. We have a good working relationship with George F White, who have specialist farming and agricultural knowledge, and kindly thank them for arranging the visit and talking to the students.”

The 650 acre mixed farm is currently run as a mixed organic farm producing Aberdeen Angus cross beef and organic cereals. The farm also has a classroom facility for students to learn and take notes. Robert Thompson, Rural Practice Surveyor at George F White, prepared and delivered a presentation to the students which provided valuable insight into the real issues of renting land from both the land owner and tenant’s perspective.

Robert Thompson said: “One of the farm’s traditional buildings had previously been converted in to a classroom with desks and chairs where students could settle down and really learn about the practical aspects of renting a farm. We thought it would be most useful for the students to be given a short talk about the fundamentals of farm renting. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and I wish the students all the best in achieving the results they need.”

Philip Cain added: “The students responded very well to the day which no doubt will be reflected in their coursework project so this visit is something they’re very grateful for.”

For more information about the working partnerships George F White has with Universities and colleges, please contact Sally Hart, Head of Communications, on sallyhart@georgefwhite.co.uk or 01665 603 231.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by George F White .