MY old farming Grandfather, Bob Jackson was quite proud when I secured a place at the Royal Agriculture College, Cirencester. I didn’t even know where Cirencester was, says Farmer columnist Adam Day.

Up until then, I hadn’t travelled over Shap Fell too many times. My summers down there were spent grain harvesting or working as a hod- carrier in Swindon. Not really what your average Ciren’ student got up to, but as Grandfather would say “hard work never did anyone any harm”.

A lot of my Greysouthen YFC pals went to Newton Rigg College, the pride of Cumbria. Whichever the college, the learning for lads followed a pretty standard pattern; lectures, beer and chasing students of the opposite sex.

The latter I shall refer to as socialising. I was at an immediate disadvantage because there were not many female students at Cirencester and not much socialising.

By contrast my Newton Rigg pals seemed to do quite well at socialising. It seems that this has been a time- honoured tradition over several generations of agriculture students!

Many years later I became the Managing Director of the Farmer Network based at Newton Rigg. I often talk to students, many of whom are the offspring of my generation. It saddens me that I am now seen as an oldie. I might look it, but I don’t feel it.

Last year a farmer pal visited my office. As he entered the room in what was the old farmhouse, he burst out laughing.

“what’s up”? I asked. He smiled and shook his head. “Look down out of your window. What do you see”?

“I see a drainpipe”? I said quizzically.

“You won’t believe how many times I shinned up and down that drainpipe when I was a student here”. Then in all seriousness he turned to me and said, “it’s alright though, because I married her”! Apparently, my office used to be part of the female accommodation block, back in the day.

I say my office, but the sad reality is that it may not be for much longer. At the time of writing Newton Rigg College is set to close.

It is distasteful to many that the parent college backed by the Further Education Commission can sell the college assets and take the proceeds away from Cumbria.

In July 2021, as things stand, Newton Rigg College will close its doors for the last time, bringing an end to 125 years of learning.

The success of former students in farming and other business is immeasurable, the anger and sadness within the farming community, tangible.

The County of Cumbria is the second largest producer of both red meat and milk in the country. Now it’s flagship seat of learning will disappear.

It is a travesty. We can only hope that somehow a saviour might appear before the axe falls. As the agriculture industry evolves, the public will come to appreciate and understand the value of farmers in food production and managing the environment.

Right now, Newton Rigg college is needed more than ever.

n “I have spent 30 years working as a Land Agent and Auctioneer throughout Cumbria and beyond. I still enjoy auctioneering on a freelance basis, mostly at Penrith Mart, where I first started my career many years ago.

I Joined the Farmer Network in 2015 initially working three days per week but now working four days per week.

I am involved in all facets of the Network working closely with the Board of Directors and the Management Council’s to ensure that the Network is delivering what members want and need.

A priority in my role has been to raise awareness of the Farmer Network and increase membership.

In doing so we have been able improve income streams and project funding.

The Farmer Network is a sustainable business model and well placed to continue providing a range of services and support for farmers, their families and their businesses going forward.