Supported by the RNAA opportunities Fund, we have been able to provide opportunities for Next Generation individuals to attend the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference 2026.
AF Group
James grew up spending time with his grandfather on a mixed farm and during school, worked part-time on farms, strengthening his passion for the industry.
He has gone on to achieve a Distinction on a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture, furthering his knowledge and practical skills. Since college, he has gained valuable experience working on several mixed farms and estates, taking on roles such as a herdsman, arable operator and gamekeeper. He progressed to the position of farm foreman on a 1,000-acre mixed farm, managing a 500-head beef herd. James currently works for the AF Group as Business Development Manager.
University of East Anglia (UEA)
Jess is a final year PhD student at the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) School of Environmental Sciences, specialising in interdisciplinary agricultural research. Jess was recently accepted onto the Bridging Fields programme at the Royal Agricultural University, where she participated in a residency aimed at upskilling researchers in farmer-led and farmer-centric approaches to food systems research.
Additionally, Jess employs creative communication methods, partnering with organisations such as The Royal Society and The Country Trust for soil science educational outreach.
Beckhithe Farms
Luke currently works as business manager at Beckhithe Farms in Norfolk, supporting decision-making around financial performance, efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Luke is not from an agricultural background but has developed a strong and genuine interest in farming and rural enterprise.
North Farm Livestock
Sam, a livestock farmer at North Farm Livestock based in North Norfolk, began his postgraduate study at the Royal Agricultural University September 2026.
Samuel is from a non-traditional farming background and is undertaking the REALM MSc programme, marking a significant step in his professional development and commitment to contributing to the future of UK agriculture.
DL Ritchie Limited
Samuel currently works full time managing the family business whilst also working on a building site and providing farm/grant scheme advice to other businesses. Samuel also sits on the steering group for our local environmental cluster group.
Samuel has been a steward at the Royal Norfolk Show for 11 years and in 2025 became an RNAA Norfolk Scholar and attended the Oxford Farming Conference 2025.
The 31st Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Conference is now underway in Cape Town, bringing together agricultural leaders and innovators from across the Commonwealth.
We are proud to see Norfolk represented on the global stage our four Norfolk Next Generation future leaders, supported through the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association Opportunities Fund, helping them gain valuable international experience and build connections for the future.
Three of the RNAA Norfolk Commonwealth Scholars took part in the pre-conference tour organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) and conference hosts Agri-Expo.
This tour took our scholars behind the scenes of farming operations at the Stofberg Family farm where some of the best Sussex genetics are bred on African soil, alongside their vibrant citrus operation.
Platdrif, near Rawsonville in the Breede River Valley, demonstrates how marginal land can support a specialised livestock enterprise alongside irrigated agriculture. The Stofberg family acquired the property in 1984, but its soils proved unsuitable for many tree and vine crops. This led Nollie Stofberg to pursue cattle breeding, establishing the foundation of the Platdrif Sussex stud.
Despite its relatively small size, Platdrif has achieved considerable success in national and regional shows, winning breed and interbreed championships. Its breeding stock is marketed through national auctions and direct sales to other farmers. The wider farm combines the Sussex stud with wine grapes and export soft citrus. Platdrif offers a practical example of agricultural diversification: matching land capability to the right enterprise, investing in genetics and using specialised breeding to create value from a relatively small herd.
Our next Generation Scholars came together with CEOs at the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Conference, fostering meaningful conversations between the next generation of agricultural leaders and some of the sector’s most experienced voices.
As part of the programme, they had the honour of meeting HRH The Princess Royal, former President of the RNAA and President of the RASC Sir Nicholas Bacon Bt. OBE DL, while also hearing first-hand from influential business and industry leaders from across South Africa. Together, these exchanges are helping to shape the future of agriculture through the sharing of knowledge, experience and fresh ideas.
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