Andrew Blenkiron PFIAgrM

Andrew Blenkiron, a Fellow of the Institute, is Estate Director for the 4,400ha Euston Estate in Suffolk where he is responsible for the management and development of a rural business comprising 2600ha farmed in hand, 1200ha let farms, 600ha of woodland, as well as a significant involvement in renewables including 13MW of PV and a 2.5MW equivalent gas to grid AD plant.

How does Institute membership help you in your current role?

My current duties are many and varied including all aspects of managing the estate and acting as the estate’s ambassador. I am also involved in Assured Food Standards, the NFU and the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

I have been a member of the Institute for over 30 years. I find membership is invaluable as it provides me with access to a network of like-minded and open-minded people who I can bounce ideas off, can learn from and rely on.

Where do you see yourself being in 5-10 year’s time?

I hope to still be driving the Euston business forward and ensuring that farming is recognised and appreciated by society for its true worth.  Agriculture must continue to work harder to promote the excellent work that farmers do, both producing high quality food and protecting and enhancing the environment.

I believe members of the Institute can be influential in this.  After all, who is better placed and resourced than the highly professional members of the Institute?

How do you get involved with the Institute and how does this benefit you?

I always attend the fantastic annual National Farm Management Conference and get to as many regional and national events as I can as they are excellent opportunities to learn from others, to share challenges and to help provide solutions.

Membership is as important to me now as when I first joined as a young, inexperienced manager because you never stop learning and can learn something from anyone.

Membership has assisted me in my career and given me the opportunity for personal development.  It has given me confidence and some exceptional contacts in the industry.