FOUR years after graduating from Askham Bryan College, Josh Banks is now working on the other side of the fence as manager of its three farms.

The 30-year-old, who gained his degree in agriculture and land management, has returned as the farm manager with responsibility for more than 600 hectares of cropping land, including forage.

Following his graduation, Josh gained a wealth of experience across the industry, particularly in the livestock sector.

The college specialises in land-based courses up to degree level with classroom learning enhanced by students’ practical experience on the farms. Askham Bryan has a rapid exit milking parlour for 240 milking cows and around 300 breeding ewes as well as wheat, barley, oil seed rape and forage crops such as maize.

Josh’s role is to support student learning and assist with visits by the public, including Lambing Sunday on March 19.

He said: “During my three years there as a student I thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience including being president of the Students’ Union. My degree gave me the ability to progress quickly through the industry, culminating in my recent appointment as the college’s farm manager.”