The John Edgar Trust (JET) is a Hampshire-based charity dedicated to helping people in southern England to achieve their potential in farming and rural enterprises.
The Trust offers, through its biennial Management Development Training Scheme, a unique opportunity for people in farming and land-based industries to develop their leadership and management skills.
Scholars participate in a three-week residential during which all aspects of rural business management are covered.
The 2025/2026 course will feature:
- One 5-day tutored course held at The Royal Agricultural University (RAU)
- One 4-day project-based course held at the RAU
- One 4-day project-based course held at Wallops Wood, Hampshire
Practical case studies and seminars, led by industry professionals, include:
- Managing people
- Business practice
- Taxation & law
- Budgeting
- Diversification
- Media management
- Leadership
- Teamwork
Apply for the 2025-2026 Scheme
The deadline for applications for the 2025-2026 Scheme is 25 May 2025.
Apply now via our John Edgar Trust Management Development Training Scheme Application Form 2025/2026.
Interested, but keen to learn more about the Scheme before applying?
Attend The John Edgar Trust Farm Walk on 7 May 2025 at 3 pm during which you can find out more about the Scheme and meet members of the Trust.
Taking place at Farleigh Wallop Estate, attendees will tour the estate, learning more about its commercial lets, biomass system, participation in arable and agri-environmental schemes, new grain store and tractor trailers, ahead of a BBQ and drinks.
For further details and to register to attend, sign up via the John Edgar Trust Eventbrite page.
Application closing date - 25 May 2025
Interview date - 26 June 2025, RAU Cirencester.
Module 1 - 1- 5 December 2025, RAU Cirencester
Module 2 - 12 - 15 January 2026, RAU Cirencester
Module 3 - 2 - 5 February 2026, Wallops Wood, Hampshire
Chris Padfield, the Scheme leader, runs a 400-hectare family farm on the Gloucestershire-Worcestershire border. He has a background in agricultural education having worked at Hartpury College and the RAU before setting up a training company. Chris completed a Nuffield Scholarship on farm staff training in 2015.
Chris will be assisted in tutoring the course by Dr James Jones who has run the course since 2002 and others including JET alumni. A range of academics, professionals and leaders from inside and outside the industry will also contribute to the training.
The John Edgar Trust has set the following application criterion for the Scheme:
- Applicants to be from Southern England
- Applicants to be established in a career in or associated with agriculture or other land-based industries
As such, most but not all of the successful past applicants to the Scheme have been in their mid-twenties to late thirties.
The Scheme is sponsored by the Trust, but scholars will be asked to make a contribution of £500 towards the cost of the course. This represents a small proportion of the total costs.
Bursaries are available at the discretion of the Trustees for individuals who might be unable to pay this charge.
Participants may be asked to contribute to expenses for some of the ancillary activities and are asked to support the aims and activities of the Trust in the future.