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We are seeing an ever-increasing demand for agricultural valuers and many farmers and landowners rely on their trusted advisers to help navigate changing government policies, climate change and world economics, and embrace new technologies.

All agricultural and rural businesses seem to be struggling to recruit team members; some potential employees may not have the opportunity to join family farming businesses, or they may choose not to but wish to stay in the industry.

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Career

Have you ever thought about a career in rural surveying? It may be just what you have been looking for, or perhaps more interesting and relevant than you thought.

When searching online, Wikipedia defines us as ‘Traditionally, a land agent was a managerial employee who conducted the business affairs of a large landed estate for a member of the landed gentry,  supervising the farming of the property by farm labourers and/or tenants and collecting rents or other payments.'

Historically, this description was correct, but times have moved on and the days of driving around an estate in a defender, donned in tweed from head to toe are declining.

As with the agricultural industry, land agents have had to evolve, adapt and stay on top of the ever-changing policies and legislation.

Land agents can become qualified chartered surveyors, agricultural valuers and auctioneers, and there are many ways to get there – and it is not just the traditional university route, with apprenticeships becoming ever more popular.

Broadly speaking, land agency can be separated into three core areas: estate management, utilities and infrastructure, and general practice.

Your speciality will determine the type of work you undertake and the people you may work with.

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Variety

At Selby Rural, we are proud to support our hardworking clients. No two days are the same and the challenges of today shape what the future will bring, particularly as the demands increase on rural land for things such as:

â–  The best farming and food.

â–  More renewable energy.

â–  Nature and biodiversity, and protection of our landscapes.

â–  Housing a growing population.

â–  Infrastructure – from water to telecommunications.

â–  Forestry for timber and carbon.

â–  Leisure and public access.

CAAV

The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) are keen to promote the profession far and wide, and this month, the new initiative called ‘route to rural' was launched.

Many surveying firms are supporting this initiative, and work experience, school visits at career fairs or informal discussions are being welcomed.

CAAV has reported it now has 250 more qualified fellows and almost 100 more in training than they had eight years ago, however, growth of this type of work in the countryside and the new issues to be tackled mean there is more work for more people.

If you have got this far and you are interested to know more, I encourage you to get some experience and visit caav.org.uk for more ‘route to rural' information.

You never know, this could be the career you have been looking for. 

Tom Selby is founder and rural chartered surveyor at Selby Rural LLP. Email [email protected], or call 01829 423183.

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