As part of our regular series of profiles on the region's Young Farmers' Club (YFC) members, RYAN THOMPSON says he is finding inspiration from near and far to further his farming career.

Having been brought up on a family farm I had always wanted to be involved in farming.

I am now a partner within the arable business, but prior to working full time at home I spent seven months in Australia working for a harvest contractor before switching to the biggest gladioli bulb farm in the country.

This enabled me to gain experience in areas of farming I hadn't been involved with before. I followed this by completing a degree in agricultural management, and all these experiences have enabled me to see farming from a different perspective.

Currently I am spraying and doing most of the field cultivations. My tasks and work hours vary during the year depending on what is needing to be done. I am often working on my own, so it's nice to get along to a Young Farmers meeting to catch up with like-minded people.

Recently I have been catching up with general maintenance of machinery in-between harvest work and starting the cultivations ready for next year's cropping. I enjoy working in farming as there is always plenty to do and so much variety. There are never two days the same.

Being involved in Young Farmers has given me many skills and opportunities by taking on roles within the committee, and I have met many useful farming contacts for the future of my career.

Taking part in competitions has used skills I didn't know I had. I have represented Norfolk at the Eastern Area Competitions day in a very serious competition against some very experienced competitors. When I first had a go at public speaking, I had no idea what I was doing but thinking: 'I will give it a crack, it will be a laugh'.

My Young Farmers highlight of the year was completing the Four Peaks challenge to raise funds for the Farming Community Network (FCN).

PROFILE:

Name: Ryan Thompson

Age: 23

Occupation: Farmer

Location: Based in Carleton Rode and Besthorpe

YFC Club: Diss

How long have you been a YFC member?: Four years

Diss YFC meets at Burston Pavilion, Tucks Mill, on Wednesday evenings. For more details contact the county office on 01603 731307.