Young Farmer Focus: Sam Mather - 'I couldn't see a life for me away from a farm'

Sam Mather, 17, from Crewkerne, is working as an apprentice on a farm in Dorset and is a member of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Club.

clock • 2 min read
Young Farmer Focus: Sam Mather - 'I couldn't see a life for me away from a farm'

As a young apprentice starting out my career in farming, I'm already convinced that it is the job of my dreams.

Literally, all my life I have been thinking about it. As soon as I left school, I knew that I wanted to work in agriculture.

There was nothing else I wanted to do. I have my grandad to thank for that. He worked on a 202-hectare (500-acre) farm milking cows for a living. It was hard work, but he loved it.

I remember seeing him at work and even getting involved myself, I knew it was meant to be.

Personally, I couldn't see a life away from a farm. When the opportunity became available to work on a farm full-time, I thought all my dreams had come true.

Very close to where I live in Dorset, I had gained experience in the industry by working with farming tenants on a weekend. They have encouraged and supported my development here.

I then started an official apprenticeship in September last year which has been a huge learning curve but one I would not change for the world.

I am literally excited about waking up in the morning to go to work. Having the beautiful countryside as your office is wonderful; especially when you live in Dorset.

The smell of the open air and the amazing views is a privilege to behold. You would not get this kind of job satisfaction from working in an office.

It is an old adage, but no two days are ever the same. Life would be boring if that was the case.

Getting to work with animals is another bonus. Milking cows is just an unbelievable thing to do and it connects you with nature.

The support I have received while working on the farm has been incredible. I would not have been able to progress without learning from people who have been doing the job for years and years.

While I am just setting out on my own journey, the chance to develop and learn has been sensational. I will never forget the experiences I have made here.

It has allowed me to strengthen my convictions in becoming an agricultural contractor in the future.

One of the big issues farmers are facing at the moment is milk prices going in the wrong way. Farmers are losing out which is making their jobs even harder when they are facing a cost of living crisis.

I am sure it is just a peak and trough moment, but it should not be underestimated just how much a slight variation in the market affects farmers so much.

DOWNGRADE MILK & CREAM

DOWNGRADE MILK & CREAM

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

Coyton Barton Herd Reduction Herd

Coyton Barton Herd Reduction Herd

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

Greystone British Blues

Greystone British Blues

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Young Farmer Focus

Young Farmer Focus - Richard West: "Short-term fixes and last-minute announcements will not give us the confidence to invest or adapt properly"

Young Farmer Focus - Richard West: "Short-term fixes and last-minute announcements will not give us the confidence to invest or adapt properly"

Arable farmer Richard West writes on his mixed feelings regarding Defra's extension of Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements, decisions made in Government which do not account for the farming calendar and why farmers are proud to support the environment

Richard West
clock 29 October 2025 • 2 min read
Young Farmer Focus – Jake Leighton: "I hope my journey proves that the countryside really is open to everyone"

Young Farmer Focus – Jake Leighton: "I hope my journey proves that the countryside really is open to everyone"

Barnsley College student Jake Leighton writes on transitioning from the city to rural life, how he gained an appreciation for farming, and why he wants to help open doors to show that regardless of someone's background, farming is for everyone

Jake Leighton
clock 22 October 2025 • 2 min read
Young Farmer Focus - Hannah Rees: "Kindness costs nothing in a world of rising costs and instability"

Young Farmer Focus - Hannah Rees: "Kindness costs nothing in a world of rising costs and instability"

Pembrokeshire Young Farmers' Club member Hannah Rees writes on neurodiversity in agriculture and why showing compassion could make a difference to someone's life

Hannah Rees
clock 15 October 2025 • 2 min read