Research Papers and Reports

Each year the Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers commissions a piece of research on a topic or aspects of the industry that he or she believes is of interest or concern to members if nth Company and the wider industry. The Company hopes by this means to sponsor, contribute to and promote debate within the wider agricultural community.

Master’s Research Paper 2020/2021- Farm Labour in the UK

Professor Matt Lobley, Co-Director of the CRPR and
Dr Caroline Nye, Research Fellow at Exeter University’s Centre for Rural Policy Research

Dr Caroline Nye, Research Fellow at Exeter University’s Centre for Rural Policy Research (CRPR) co-author, with Professor Matt Lobley, Co-Director of the CRPR, of the WCF commissioned research report on accessing the workforce the rural industry needs presented a summary of the 62 page report to a virtual audience of close to 100 including Liverymen, industry leaders and the press.

In her presentation Dr Nye highlighted the link between good management of farm businesses and the ability to recruit the right quantity and quality of labour. The UK agriculture industry she said needs to wake up to the need to compete with the rest of British industry for scarce labour resources – and to change its approach to everything from working conditions and hours, diversity and inclusion, creating an environment which allows employees to achieve the right work/life balance right through to succession and farm business management planning.

The full report is available for download.

Master’s Research Paper 2019/20 – BREXIT 2

Professor Allan Buckwell

This is a follow-up to Professor Buckwell’s earlier BREXIT report and was commissioned by then Master, David Bolton in 2020. You can read Professor Buckwell’s report here:-

http://online.flipbuilder.com/ther/gwbc/

and download a pdf copy here :-

Report Brexit 19 10 20 Single

Master’s Research Paper 2018/19 – Farming in the Digital Age

Dr Shamal Mohammed Agri-EPI Centre

In line with her theme for her year of ‘Evidence based decision making’ the Master for 2018/2019 Rosie Carne commissioned the Agri/EPI Centre to prepare a report on the current state of Digital integration in UK farming. The report by Dr Mohammed covers a number of key topics in this area of agri development, from the current state of precision application technology in agriculture, through the data explosion that has swept through the industry to the rapid adoption of AI and Machine Learning as robotic and autonomous systems are developed.

You can download a pdf copy of the report here:- Wcf Farming In The Digital Age 02 20

Joint WCF & FRAgS Report into Intensive Livestock Production in the UK

Past Master, Philip Wynn and Maurice Bichard of FRAgS

This report, jointly authored by WCF Past Master, Philip Wynn and Maurice Bichard of FRAgS, records the discussions and conclusions of a panel of experts, brought together to discuss intensive livestock rearing in the UK, at a workshop held at Farmers & Fletchers’ Hall on September 5th 2017.

The meeting heard submissions from a number of prominent contributors including

• Prof Richard Bennett ARAgS
• Peter Jinman ARAgS
• Patrick Hook NSch
• Meryl Ward FRAgS
• Robert Craig NSch,
• Andrew Humphries FRAgS
• Teresa Dent FRAgS
• Amy Jackson NSch.

In the afternoon the delegates, approximately 50 attended, had the opportunity to participate in an extended discussion chaired by Prof David Leaver FRAgS.

The Report is be based upon the contributors’ material and the opinions expressed during the Workshop and the organisers hope that it will influence future planning by government, individual producers and indeed all components of our livestock industries.

The full report is available for download.