Alexandra Godfrey, there is a place for everyone in agriculture

Alexandra Godfrey didn’t come from a traditional farming background. Growing up in a suburban environment meant that she had very little exposure to farming and land management. It wasn’t until she attended the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) that her interest in the land-based sector truly took off.

Arriving at RAU, She described herself as a "blank slate." She lacked practical experience and had only a basic understanding of farming. Despite her passion to learn about food production and land management, she struggled to see how she could find a place within the industry. 

Alexandra’s determination and curiosity helped her create her own path. Placement opportunities, hands-on training, and involvement in extracurricular activities helped her to gather the experience and knowledge she needed to get into the industry. To make the most out of her university experience, she completed two terms with the Students' Union, where she built strong connections with peers from traditional farming backgrounds. The feeling of community inspired and motivated her to keep learning from those around her. 

As a newcomer, it wasn’t easy for her and she felt disadvantaged, with no agricultural experience or family in the industry. The pressure to catch up and prepare herself for the industry was immense. 

Alexandra didn’t let these barriers get in her way and put herself in challenging situations to gain practical skills. Scholarships and bursaries became lifelines, opening doors to valuable industry experiences. Through these opportunities, she connected with different agricultural communities and gained a better sense of where she could contribute. Alexandra also completed placements in both Gloucestershire and the Scottish Highlands, where she gained her skills and experience.

Rural skills courses played a crucial role in her development, providing her with recognised qualifications that prepared her for the industry. 

As SU president, Alexandra has worked hard to make sure that the RAU is accessible to students from all backgrounds. Her mission has been to remove education-based barriers and make sure that everyone has an equal chance to succeed in the rural industry, regardless of their upbringing. 

There is a place for everyone in agriculture as proven by Alexandra. Each new entrant brings fresh perspectives and energy to the sector and is important for the future of the industry.