Harvest and Clarkson Approach

Whilst the majority of the country spent the majority of June concentrating on which politician was going to do what and therefore where best to place a cross on a piece of paper in early July, the arable farming community were anxiously following the weather forecast and hoping for the right mix of sunshine and rain at the correct time.

In late May & early June the winter crops are just “on the turn” and the countryside is looking, in my opinion, at its most attractive. The new growth on hedgerows and trees is still fresh and green and there seems to be a clarity in the air on early mornings which slowly disappears as we get deeper into summer. Everything seems clean and even the songbirds appear to have a renewed vigour. For arable farmers though, the following few weeks can be nail biting, because too little sun, too much rain, or an unlucky hail storm can spell disaster for a crop at this critical time.

Perhaps beautifully timed in order to distract arable farmers and to enable everyone else a respite from electioneering, was the release of the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm. I am saving up watching it for later in the year so am in no danger of providing any plot spoilers but it does seem to be almost universally praised for bringing the realities of farming into sharp focus. Yes, of course Mr Clarkson uses his persona and plays for comedic and dramatic effect at times, but there are many moments which highlight the ups and downs of working in the agricultural industry. One friend suggested that it should be compulsorily shown in schools as a countryside lesson and whilst that may be a little extreme, I do think it is an excellent example of how farming could be explained to those not involved in it.  It was reported in the farming press that one supermarket saw an increase in the sale of British produced bacon following one Clarkson’s Farm episode – if true then that is a clear indication of how powerful a simple insight into food production can be.

I attended the Oxfordshire Young Farmers Show and Rally and was heartened by the number of visitors and the effort and dedication of so many Young Farmers in entering the competitions and ensuring the day was a success. There were many traditional skills on show and it was a pleasure to see so many people under the age of 30 clearly intent on pursuing a life in the countryside and having a thoroughly enjoyable day out. It will be up to this next generation of farmers to cope with whatever the new government will throw at the industry and learn to live with the pressure of those nail biting weeks before Harvest.

And the biggest queue on the day was not for the ice cream van, nor for the hot dogs or even for the most delicious venison steaks – but was to say hello and shake hands with Kaleb from Clarkson’s Farm !

(Kevin Prince has wide experience of farming and rural business in Hampshire, where he lives near Andover, and across southern England, as a Director of Adkin . His family also run a diversified farm in Wales, with commercial lets, holiday cottages and 800 arable acres.)

After 20 years with the company, Sarah Payne will be leaving Adkin for pastures new.  Throughout her time with Adkin, she has been a key member of the team but now has an exciting opportunity to move client side and take up a newly created post as CEO of the HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust.  Sarah has been involved with the Trust for the past 11 years, managing their estates in Oxfordshire and Suffolk.  We will continue to work closely with Sarah in her new role, assisting her with the ongoing management of the Trust’s estates and wish her every success for the future.

Due to increasing workload and new management instructions, Adkin have various opportunities to join the team in our highly respected firm. We are open to applications from those due to complete their degree course shortly or those who already hold a relevant degree and may be part way through their training. You will be offered excellent bespoke training for your APC and CAAV assessments and will gain varied on-the-job experience working as part of our team. You will quickly be given responsibility for looking after our client’s needs with fantastic career prospects. This is a great chance to develop your career and be key in shaping the future of a dynamic and driven company.

Based in the attractive village of Ardington in Oxfordshire, our dedicated team offer an array of services including agricultural, commercial and residential disciplines, and therefore a wide variety of work and clients is attained. The position will offer a mix of both professional and Estate Management work.

Many of our clients have been with us for generations, something we are very proud of, and a testament to the reputation and expertise of the firm and our ability to move with the times. We work for a diverse range of clients with interesting and demanding requirements and whilst the majority are based in central southern England, we increasingly act for landowners nationwide.

Role requirements
✓ Working towards or completed RICS Accredited degree (we will also consider applications from graduates of other subjects on the understanding that they may have to undertake further study to “convert” their degrees)
✓ Willingness to learn
✓ Motivated and driven

What we can offer
✓ Ability to shape your role within the company
✓ Great careers prospects
✓ A competitive salary and benefits package
✓ Flexible working considered

Please send applications with your CV to:

Mrs Kerry Holbrook-Bull MRICS FAAV

kerry.holbrook-bull@adkin.co.uk

If you wish to call to discuss the position in the first instance, please contact Kerry on 07557 470520 or via the above e-mail address.

All applications and enquiries will be treated in strictest confidence.

The Adkin office will be closed from Friday 22nd December and will re-open on 2nd January 2024.

We would like to wish all of our clients, customers, tenants and contractors a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year.

We are seeking an Assistant Surveyor at graduate level to join our highly respected firm based near Wantage, Oxfordshire. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who has the ambition and talent to play a key role in the future of our business. You will be offered excellent bespoke training for your APC and CAAV assessments and will gain varied on-the-job experience working as part of our team. You will quickly be given plenty of responsibility for looking after our client’s needs.

The business provides professional advice and services to a wide range of predominantly private clients throughout Southern England. Working alongside the Directors, the role will involve;
• Estate, Residential, Commercial & Farm Management
• Agency Sales and Lettings
• Landlord and Tenant
• Valuations
• Compensation Claims
• Environmental and other Grant Schemes

A successful candidate will usually have completed a degree course approved by the RICS; however, we will also consider applications from graduates of other subjects on the understanding that they may have to undertake further study to “convert” their degrees.

Alongside full training, a competitive salary and benefits package will be offered.

We are looking at those who can commence employment from September 2024.

Please send applications by email with a covering letter and your CV to: Mrs Kerry Holbrook-Bull MRICS FAAV (kerry.holbrook-bull@adkin.co.uk)

If you wish to call to discuss the position in the first instance, please contact Kerry on 07557 470 520 or by the email address above.

All applications and enquires will be treated in strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 30th November 2023

First interviews to be held during the week commencing 11th December 2023

Second interviews to be held during the week commencing 18th December 2023