Cultivating Leaders Round Up

30 Jan Cultivating Leaders Round Up

Posted at 14:49h in Uncategorized by paulsayfc

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When the latest Cultivating Leaders cohort gathered for the first time, the room was filled with a familiar mix of energy and uncertainty. Some arrived confident and outspoken, others quieter, unsure of what lay ahead.

By the final session, those same 18 SAYFC members left as firm friends, armed with new skills, wider networks and a clearer sense of where they want to go.

Now in its tenth year, the Cultivating Leaders programme has become a cornerstone of SAYFC’s professional development offering, designed to support young farmers as they navigate the increasingly complex world of modern agriculture. Delivered over three two-day blocks across four months, the course blends leadership training, business insight and practical experience, with a strong emphasis on personal growth.

At its heart is the belief that successful farming depends as much on people and decision-making as it does on technical knowledge. Participants this year heard from a wide range of industry voices, including Linda Tinson of Burness Paul, Ally Christie from Galbraith, Emma Cowie and colleagues from RBS, and Jenn Stewart and Kim Lawrie from Johnston Carmichael. Together, they offered insight into professional practice, finance, land management and business strategy, often sharing lessons learned the hard way.

Farm visits brought those ideas to life. At Blairmains Farm Shop near Stirling, John Logan spoke openly about his decision to step away from traditional farming and build a diversified retail business. The visit illustrated how adapting to change and taking calculated risks can open new opportunities. At Duncan Family Farms on the banks of Loch Lomond, the group saw a mixed livestock enterprise expanding into on-farm butchery of wild deer alongside a well-established farm pod system, underlining the importance of flexibility and innovation.

Guiding the cohort throughout was course facilitator Heather Wildman, founder of Saviour Associates, who has worked with young farmers for more than a decade. For her, the transformation she witnesses each year is what makes the programme special.

“Seeing 18 young farmers walk into the room on day one, some cocky, some nervous, shy and unsure, leaving on Day Six as 18 firm friends, wiser, confident, with direction, new skills, a network that money cannot buy and clarity of vision with clear steps and benchmarks of how to achieve their goals, is incredibly powerful,” she said.

She believes the format offers a rare chance for reflection away from the pressures of day-to-day farming. “This is a unique opportunity for SAYFC members to dip their toes into leadership, professional development, management, business, staff management and networking, spread over three two-day blocks,” she explained. “They meet Scottish agricultural business leaders who share their expertise, top tips and what they wish they had known when they were 24 years old.”

Heather’s connection to the movement is deeply personal. “Young Farmers was my further education, my life skills,” she said. “I left school at 15 with basic qualifications and no idea who or what I wanted to be. It was not until I was in my forties that I found my true path. It is an absolute pleasure to be able to help, support, push, guide and mentor these young farmers and watch them grow and flourish.”

She added that this year’s group stood out for how quickly they bonded. “As the facilitator I never know what each group will be like and day one can be daunting, but this year’s bonded quickly, with energy, fun, care and inclusivity. The 2025–26 intake have really shone.”

For those taking part, the benefits have been immediate and practical. Kinross JAC member Sarah Wood said the programme had already changed how she views her future. “The programme has provided me with invaluable skills and experiences that I will carry forward throughout my career,” she said. “I would highly recommend the Cultivating Leaders programme to anyone looking to further their knowledge and business skills.”

Fellow participant Anna Smith echoed those sentiments, highlighting the confidence she had gained. “The programme has helped to develop my confidence, extend my professional network, and enhance my business skills, benefiting me both personally and professionally,” she said.

In an industry facing constant change and pressure, the programme offers something increasingly valuable: time to think, space to grow and the confidence to lead.

Participant Feedback

“Cultivating leaders helped me create a new network of likeminded people across SAYFC, I gained confidence, new knowledge and a new understanding of myself.”

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“Gained confidence in aspects of business I may have avoided previously. Presentation skills also improved”

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“I was able to network with industry professionals and gain insight into practical business skills and information.”

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“Both personally and professionally I have a clearer vision of goals and how I’m going to achieve them.”

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“It has vastly expanded my own professional network as well as having given me the exposure to some professionals! The time off farm has also allowed me to reflect on what is going on and what I have already achieved. My new goals are now set out in black and white on paper for where I am working towards.”

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“It has given me so much confidence and knowledge. I am much more confident in my own ability, and I feel I don’t doubt myself as much.”

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“Grew confidence and knowledge. Gained contacts and new networks. Met a great group of like-minded young farmers keen to learn and grow together.”

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“Gave me a great opportunity for self-reflection, understanding more about running a business and different ways of sourcing finance as I had no experience of this before. Most importantly the friendships that I’ve made I feel will last a long time and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience!”

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“I gained friendships across Scotland with fellow delegates that I am in daily contact with. My confidence in business skills and knowledge has improved significantly, as well as my confidence with public speaking. In work meetings I feel I can make a valuable input. My relationship with my work colleagues has improved, establishing weekly catch ups to check in on different departments and structuring the week ahead.”

2025-26 Cohort