Farming News - Olly Harrison Launches Nationwide Search For Britain's Future Farming Stars

Olly Harrison Launches Nationwide Search For Britain's Future Farming Stars

Farmer and social media star Olly Harrison has announced the launch of a nationwide campaign, The Next Crop, through which he aims to discover and champion the rising stars of British agriculture in partnership with Certas Energy – the UK's largest independent fuel distributor.
 
 
As farmers continue to be challenged by prolonged periods of extreme weather, water scarcity, policy changes and funding reforms, Olly hopes the launch of The Next Crop, will shine a light on the optimism and inspiration that the next generation of farmers can bring to the industry.
 
Olly, a long-standing brand ambassador for Certas Energy - and who unintentionally rose to fame following the launch of his relatable YouTube channel, OllyBlogs - is widely respected for spotlighting the challenges facing modern farmers. 
 
By launching The Next Crop, Olly hopes to provide an accessible platform through which the farming stars of tomorrow can share their stories, showcase their achievements, verbalise their frustrations and reveal their greatest ambitions for the future, all with personalised support and expert guidance from a farming icon.  
 
It's no secret that British farming faces an increasingly uncertain future, resulting from evolving environmental pressures, emerging technologies, funding changes and shifting consumer demands. 
 
Olly hopes The Next Crop will provide a refreshing ray of hope for the farming community, showcasing the young talent bringing fresh ideas, determination, grit and innovation to the industry to ensure it has a bright future. 
 
The Next Crop will highlight the exciting opportunities that exist within modern agriculture, celebrating the young people helping to drive the sector forward in the face of adversity. 
 
The Next Crop invites young farmers aged between 16 and 30 across mainland Britain to share their experiences and demonstrate how they are helping to shape the future of agriculture, whether that's through innovation, sustainability, education, practical work or their contribution to a family farming business generations in the making. 
 
To enter, participants must submit either a 60-90 second video or a written response of between 250 and 500 words, accompanied by five supporting photographs. Entries should explain: 
  • What farming means to the entrants 
  • How they became involved in the agriculture industry 
  • Why farming matters to them, and to their communities
  • What they hope to bring to their careers in agriculture
     
Entrants should also include their name, age, farm or business name and location. All entries must be submitted via email to thenextcrop@democracypr.com before the competition closes on 26th October, 2026. 
 
A panel of judges with experience in agriculture will review submissions and shortlist five finalists, before selecting two overall winners. 
 
The winning entrants will receive the opportunity to visit Olly Harrison at Waterlane Farm, including return travel arranged by Certas Energy, a hosted farm experience and the chance to spend some time with one of British agriculture's most recognisable voices discussing the future of farming. 
 
Olly Harrison, who looks forward to welcoming winners of The Next Crop to his farm, says: "Farming has never been an easy job, but it's one of the most rewarding careers there is. 
 
"Every generation brings new ideas, fresh passion and energy, and a different perspective, and that's what keeps the industry moving forward. 
 
"Despite the challenges facing farmers today, there are brilliant young people across the country doing incredible things and helping to shape the future of British agriculture. That's why I'm proud and delighted to be partnering with Certas Energy as their brand ambassador to launch The Next Crop. 
 
"We want to give young farmers a platform to share their stories and celebrate their achievements, whether they're working in a family business, building something new of their own or finding innovative ways to overcome everyday challenges. 
 
"I can't wait to see the entries and shine a deserving spotlight on the talented individuals who will help drive British farming forward for years and generations to come." 
 
Sam Bocock, Commercial Marketing Manager at Certas Energy, adds: "At Certas Energy, we're incredibly proud to support Britain's farming community and recognise the important role young people will play in its future. 
 
"The Next Crop is about celebrating the individuals who are bringing fresh thinking, determination and innovation to agriculture. Through our continued partnership with Olly Harrison, we're looking forward to recognising the talent that exists across the industry and giving the next generation the opportunity to share their stories." 
 
Entries for The Next Crop open on 14th September 2026 and close on 26th October 2026. Young farmers, farm workers, apprentices, agricultural students and new entrants to the industry are encouraged to apply. 
 
Full details, including competition terms and conditions, can be found here.