Eddie Jarratt studied Agriculture at Askham Bryan College from 1970 – 1972, after which he worked for 36
years at MAFF, now Defra. He is currently semi-retired, self-employed in Gardening and Voluntary Work.
What was your student life like studying at Askham Bryan College?
I had a very enjoyable two years studying at Askham Bryan College, where I lived on campus. Getting to know
both Agriculture and Horticulture students, some of whom I’m still in contact with today.
Why did you choose to study at Askham Bryan College?
I’d known people who had been to Askham Bryan College before me and they recommended it as a place to
get a good understanding of agriculture.
Where did your interest in your chosen subject area come from?
My late mother’s family were farmers and my visits to help on a local farm got me on to my career path.
What element did you like most about your course?
I enjoyed the whole course but perhaps the work we did on the College Farm was where I learnt a lot.
How did your course influence your career choices?
After leaving Askham Bryan College I did a City & Guilds FTC in Agriculture at Skipton College, which included
block release at Askham Bryan College. In 1973 I had no real idea what particular job I wanted to do but I did
general farm work in my local area. Whilst working as a herdsman on a dairy farm in 1974 I saw an advert in
Farmers Weekly from MAFF (now Defra) wanting Technical Assistants to work in what was then the Animal
Health Department. Whilst I did not have the academic qualifications that MAFF were asking for I did have the
Agricultural Qualifications which were all at Credit Level and I got a job which I did from November 1975 until
taking early retirement in March 2012.
Would you recommend studying at Askham Bryan College to potential students?
Yes! A very enjoyable two years. Agriculture has been very good to me so have a look at it now and if you like it
go for it!
How did the course prepare you for employment?
Whilst I had worked for two years on a farm before going to Askham Bryan College I had also attended a day
release Agricultural Course at Huddersfield Technical College which gave me a good grounding of agriculture in
general. At Askham Bryan College, and later at Skipton College, I learned about virtually all aspects of
agriculture which without doubt helped prepare me for my further employment.
What is the highlight of your career?
There have been many highlights over the last 48 years but my 36 years with Defra saw me make over 26000
farm visits travelling over 430000 miles and meeting thousands of farming people 99% of whom were great
people to meet.