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The course is aimed at graduating students who want to work in the agricultural and horticultural media and PR staff, who have less than 12 months experience. With the highest number of applicants recorded I felt very lucky to be chosen for the award, now in its 22nd year.

Course overview

• Began Sunday evening with an icebreaker session, background on journalism, and getting to know everyone
• Place winners came from diverse backgrounds and ages, travelling from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Europe
• Monday morning: met course leaders Steve Mitchell (John Deere PR manager) and David Mascord (journalism-training consultant) at John Deere headquarters in Langar
• Practical exercises on interviewing, news articles, and magazine features
• Test drove John Deere equipment including a forager, tractor (8345r), and two gators
• Press release practice followed by homework and a three-course meal
• Final day: tutoring on freelance writing, gaining experience, and social media's importance to farmers
• Final component: write a 400-word news piece and complete work experience independently

Key takeaways

• John Deere, holding 65% of America's tractor market share, claims to be 10 years ahead of other manufacturers' technology
• Farming relies on relationships and community; social media helps farmers stay connected and educate the public about everyday challenges
• Twitter has been instrumental in causes like Forage Aid
• Made valuable contacts from across the UK; working from John Deere's UK HQ was an amazing experience

The course runs annually and has produced many famous journalists in the farming and horticultural world. The best article writer receives a £250 cash prize and a trophy at the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists Harvest Lunch in London.