JOSHUA FARRELL

Responsible for the day to day mangement and stratigic direction for a country estate in Scotland, covering all departments from Livestock, Horticulture, Events and overall responsible for the meeting of legislation requirments and estatate asthetics. Running a focused team, i support these departments practically on the ground as well as overseeing all areas of health and safety, finance and stratigic vision. This prectigeious estate has given me great opportunity to continue to develop my management skills

Consultancy seemed like natural progression,, supporting farms to be compliant in all areas of welfare, biosecurity, animal health, staff training and wellbeing, and Defra/APHA requirements. The consultancy supports clients through all sectors, including livestock, horticulture, equestrian, corporate events, agricultural property, and financial planning. planning. This role has been a stepping stone career move, to take me towards my management carrer goals

At Tom's Farm, I was responsible for the strategic management of multiple working and school farm locations, overseeing curriculum delivery to over 9,000 students across SEN, SEMH, mainstream, and private sector educational facilities. My role encompassed managing health and safety protocols, animal welfare and husbandry, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. I led a large, multi-specialist team, managed budgets, and secured sustainable funding streams, all while ensuring a well-risk-assessed annual spend.

Tom's Farm is dedicated to educating young people about food and farming while offering therapeutic outdoor experiences through gardening, land-based work, and animal interactions. During my tenure, I developed a comprehensive KS1-5 curriculum that enabled students to earn industry-recognized qualifications. I also established successful breeding programs for top-quality pedigree livestock, particularly focusing on rare and native breeds. This included coordinating nationally recognised programs to support rare breed populations without compromising quality.

Additionally, I have extensive experience in conservation grazing, employing a multispecies approach to enhance biodiversity across various landscapes. My expertise in developing and implementing grazing plans, tailored to the unique behaviours and ecological impacts of diverse livestock species, has been instrumental in promoting habitat diversity, controlling invasive species, and regenerating native flora and fauna. By balancing ecological needs with sustainable livestock management, I have significantly contributed to the preservation and restoration of vital ecosystems, ensuring long-term environmental resilience and biodiversity.

Experienced in managing multiple farm sites with a strong focus on operational efficiency, compliance, and quality control. Skilled in conducting thorough audits to ensure all sites meet industry standards and adhere to relevant agricultural and environmental legislation. Proven ability to implement and monitor compliance frameworks, minimizing risks and ensuring the highest levels of regulatory adherence. Demonstrated expertise in optimizing farm operations across various locations, ensuring consistent productivity while maintaining a keen focus on sustainability and legal compliance. A large focus was also across deparments of horticulture, both floral and kitchen gardens as well as all land managements of the wider estate

I began my role at Jimmy's Farm in early August, where I oversaw all livestock operations, including animals bred for meat, show, and sale. My responsibilities encompassed managing breeding, production, and husbandry, while ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation and handling the necessary documentation. A key aspect of my role involved coordinating with official bodies such as the RBST and BPA to organize events, manage breeding plans, and explore marketing opportunities.

During my contract, I successfully coordinated multiple events and introduced new breeding programs that adhered to higher, more ethical welfare standards for all stock on site. I also participated in film and photo shoots for television and promotional materials and contributed regularly to our farm magazine, which is published three times a year with a circulation of over 110,000 copies. A significant element of my work was public education, where I taught visitors about rare breed livestock and ethical food production methods. I greatly enjoyed this role and am enthusiastic about applying my knowledge and experience to new opportunities

• Kellys Farm is a 600-acre Diary farm based in Australia, with a herd of around 300 cattle
• Whilst on the farm I spent several months delivering calves, milking the herd, managing pasture and learning a lot about breeding cattle
• Health and safety was a key aspect of my job as well as the overall welfare and husbandry of the animals.