These Creative Farming Ambassadors have joined a dedicated Community of Practice focused on sustainable farming practices and skill-building workshops over the course of two years. Field Exchange 2024-2025 is a two-year project structured around two agricultural creativity festivals (the first one took place at the end of August 2024) with artists working with farmers and technical partners. Field Exchange unites farmers, creatives and experts to create a collaborative space to share knowledge and devise solutions for the challenges confronting farmers and rural communities in a shifting climate. We spoke to Katie about how she got involved with this project and what ‘Creative Farming’ means to her.

Field Exchange is a unique project bringing people together for creative approaches to sustainable agriculture, how did you get involved as a Creative Farming Ambassador for this initiative?

I met Ailbhe (Gerrard, founder of Field Exchange) through another initiative in our locality called Community Climate Coaches. She encouraged me to apply as a Creative Farming Ambassador for Field Exchange 24/25, and the program appealed to me on many different levels. It offered an incredible opportunity to connect with other farmers and like-minded individuals who are passionate about the future of agriculture. The chance to explore how climate change will impact us as farmers and how we can empower our communities to tackle these challenges was particularly compelling. The initiative is not just about sustainable farming practices but also creativity and innovation in addressing these pressing issues. Being part of this program felt like a natural progression in my farming journey.

As a Creative Farming Ambassador, you have joined a dedicated Community of Practice focused on skill building through a series of Field Exchange Days over the next 2 years. What’s one learning or takeaway you have discovered so far in this journey?

One key takeaway I’ve discovered is how unique farmers truly are. Often, we are perceived as a homogeneous group, but the reality is far more complex. There is an incredible diversity of views, practices, and activities among food producers, reflecting the varied landscapes and communities we serve. This diversity is a strength that can drive innovation and resilience in the face of challenges like climate change. By acknowledging and embracing this, we can create more tailored and effective strategies for sustainable agriculture that resonate with the specific needs of different regions and communities.

How vital do you think it is to use creativity to support agricultural and rural communities in their transition to sustainable practices?

Creativity is an incredibly powerful tool in helping to broaden the mindset within our communities. It allows us to think beyond traditional practices and explore new, innovative solutions to the challenges we face. As a conventional farmer, I feel it is important to “meet people where they are” on these transitions and that the current focus on divisive language only serves to hinder and bury good work that is happening across our agricultural community. By approaching problems creatively, we can identify opportunities for outreach that might otherwise be overlooked, and inspire others to take action. Creativity helps in engaging people in meaningful ways, making complex issues more accessible and encouraging collaboration across different agricultural practices . It’s about unlocking the potential within our communities to drive change, not just in farming practices, but in how we view and interact with our environment.

What do you feel are the benefits of bringing like-minded people from across the agricultural industry for a purpose like this?

Bringing like-minded people together for a purpose like this helps to broaden perspectives and maybe add some humanity back to a conversation where we are guided by facts but emotion is what drives the “fight or flight” aspect of the climate conversation. This collective energy can lead to innovative solutions and strategies that might not emerge in isolation. We need to  strengthen the sense of community and support among those working toward similar goals, which is crucial in tackling the significant challenges facing the agricultural industry today.

"Creativity is an incredibly powerful tool in helping to broaden the mindset within our communities. It allows us to think beyond traditional practices and explore new, innovative solutions to the challenges we face. "

You use your social media platform as a fantastic way to speak about issues and topics that matter to people within the agricultural industry, what do you feel is the best aspect of building a following like this?

I feel the key aspect on social media is the ability to be authentic to your own voice while also having the freedom to pivot and experiment to engage your audience effectively, like embracing trends with an agricultural twist. Social media is unique in that you can connect with people in a way that’s convenient to their life, share knowledge, and spark important conversations around agriculture and sustainability. It’s a space where I can address issues that resonate deeply with me, the farming community, while also challenging perspectives  and introducing new ideas. By staying true to my values and being open to say  “I’m not doing this perfectly but giving it a go”, I try to create content that is not only informative but also inspiring and actionable for my followers. This connection with my online community is incredibly rewarding and drives my passion to continue advocating for a positive agricultural sector.