Nuffield regenerative agriculture scholar sets off on summer study tour

Posted 22 June

An emerging leader in regenerative agriculture is undertaking a study tour of the UK after being selected as a Nuffield Next-Gen Scholar. 

Jessica Walker is a Rural Enterprise and Land Management student at Harper Adams University and was chosen as one of six recipients of a 2026 Nuffield Next-Gen Scholarship.  

Alongside five fellow scholars she will be travelling around the UK throughout June as part of the Nuffield Dairy and Regenerative Agriculture study tours. 

These will take the cohort to leading farms and businesses across the UK and into Europe, helping them learn from those driving on-farm change – and will culminate for Jessica at this year’s Groundswell festival in Hertfordshire. 

Having just completed a placement at Scone Estates in Perthshire, Jessica brings a blend of estate management experience and hands-on farming knowledge from both the UK and New Zealand to her new role 

A Soil Association ambassador, she is passionate about bridging the gap between farming and the wider public. 

She said: "Growing up, I have been surrounded by producers who farm with the environment and think outside of convention. Becoming a Nuffield Next-Gen Scholar will give me access to a wealth of leaders of industry and put me on track to become one myself. 

"Visiting a large variety of farms all around the UK and discovering new systems that could be implemented on other farms, including our home farm, will be incredible.  

“Developing my communication and presenting skills will help me to disseminate my learning to others and will be invaluable to my career development." 

After their study tour is complete, the scholars will present their findings at the 2026 Nuffield Farming Conference in Leeds this November. 

The Next-Gen programme supports ambitious 18 to 24 year olds already driving change within their businesses and communities. 

The Regenerative Agriculture tour will visit farms across the South West, Wales, the Midlands, the North, and the East and South East, including a visit to Farmers Weekly Arable Farmer of the Year Richard Anthony near Bridgend. 

Tom Rawson, Chair of Nuffield Farming, said: "This is a unique opportunity for young people at an early stage to get a chance to engage with the Nuffield alumni and learn from their experiences." 

To find out more about the Nuffield Next-Gen programme, click here.