Henry Plumb Foundation welcomes Joe Stanley as newest Trustee

The Henry Plumb Foundation have appointed a new trustee, Joe Stanley, with extensive hands-on experience in the industry and a keen understanding of the issues currently facing the young farming community. As trustee, Joe will continue the Henry Plumb Foundation’s vital work in providing opportunities and guidance to the next generation of young people developing their careers in agriculture.

“It’s a huge honour to be appointed as a trustee to aid with the great work taking place at the Henry Plumb Foundation,” says Joe Stanley. “The whole industry is currently in a state of uncertainty – not least because of Brexit – and this is especially the case for young people just starting their agricultural careers. That said, there’s no shortage of well-intentioned and well-informed industry figures willing to help young people starting out in agriculture. The Henry Plumb Foundation is dedicated to helping young farmers achieve their full potential.”

Founded by Lord Henry Plumb in 2012, the Henry Plumb Foundation provides resources and mentorship for young people who are passionate about making a future in agriculture. This takes the form of internships, close guidance by experienced mentors, and funding for business start-ups.

“We are delighted to have Joe join us as our newest trustee,” says John Thorley, Chairman of Trustees. “Getting the balance of age and experience right is crucial to our decision making. Joe Stanley is a young man who already has a wealth of experience and the talent he brings to the Board will benefit the industry and help the Henry Plumb Foundation to grow.”

Joe Stanley has over ten years of hands-on farming experience. Having completed his postgraduate degree at the Royal Agricultural University, Joe now works full-time at his family farm Blackbrook – specialists in longhorn cattle breeding, with a portion of resources dedicated exclusively to arable. Joe also regularly engages with the wider community and is a frequent contributor of commentary and analysis for various publications on the big questions facing the agriculture sector today.

“There is a real potential for a bright future for young farmers,” adds Joe. “Within farming organisations there’s a great acknowledgement of the need to involve younger farmers - the NFU has a national Next Generation Forum, for example, and a series of very professional sector development programmes to encourage young farmers to engage with the industry. That is a very positive development in farming and cause for great optimism for young people in agriculture.”