In February, Princethorpe College was proud to host its second annual Farmers Networking Dinner, an event that has quickly become a highlight in our community calendar. This year’s gathering was especially momentous as we launched our fundraising appeal for a new and exciting project - the development of a smallholding at the school. The dinner brought together 80 members of the Princethorpe and farming communities in a vibrant evening of networking, insightful presentations, and shared aspirations for the future of agriculture and education.

The event featured two distinguished speakers from our alumni network who provided valuable perspectives on the agricultural sector. John Price, a Princethorpe alumnus, captivated the audience with his reflections on the current state of farming and his personal experiences since his time at Princethorpe. His insights into modern farming practices and the challenges facing today’s agriculturalists resonated deeply with both the younger and older members of the audience.

We were also honoured to have Jennie Wheildon, Partner at Shakespeare Martineau law firm and an expert in agricultural law, who presented on alternative funding opportunities for farmers. Her expertise shed light on innovative financial solutions that could benefit farmers looking to expand or sustain their operations in these challenging economic times.

The highlight of the evening was the official launch of our smallholding project fundraising appeal. The smallholding aims to provide our pupils with hands-on agricultural education and experience in sustainable farming practices. This initiative is designed to not only enrich our curriculum but also to foster an appreciation and understanding of food production and farm management among our students.

Furthermore, the smallholding is envisioned as a community hub, where we aim to welcome young people from across the region to learn in the environment and gain practical knowledge about agricultural practices. This inclusive approach reinforces our commitment to broadening access to agricultural education and fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

The enthusiasm and support from the attendees were overwhelming, with many expressing their commitment to the project. The launch generated significant initial contributions, indicating strong community support and a promising start towards reaching our funding goal.

As we move forward with this project, we look forward to the continued involvement and support of our alumni and community partners. The smallholding will not only serve as an educational tool but also as a community resource, where the principles of environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture are practiced and taught.

We are grateful for the robust turnout and the spirited discussions that marked this year's Farmers Networking Dinner. Such events underscore the strength of our community and its dedication to advancing agricultural education and sustainable practices.

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress with the development of the smallholding and continue to foster a connection between Princethorpe College and the broader agricultural community. Your support and involvement are invaluable to us as we embark on this exciting journey to educate future generations of farmers and environmental stewards.

You can support the Smallholding project here.