Chris Leslie

Having grown up on a farm I realised from an early age that I was destined to work in agriculture. SAC offered a Degree course which seemed to fit with me quite well, after Graduating with an honours degree in 2006 I took a year out in Australia and new Zealand. On my returning from traveling I joined Scottish Agronomy to further my crop knowledge. After nearly 2 years there, I returned to Easter Rhynd Farm as Assistant Farm Manager to David Hay. Immersed in a large scale farming operation with many enterprises and different farming agreements, it was here that the basis of my knowledge and experience was formed.

In 2010 I moved to Haddington, taking on a post as Farm Manager for a contract farming operation where I was to stay for a further 8 years. It was during this time that my personal development was taken to the next level, after studying BASIS and FACTS, the Rural Leadership programme was on the radar. In 2015 I took the plunge and joined the course, meeting so many likeminded people who were looking for a bit of direction.

Fast forward to now, I took a position with AHDB to further my development within the cereals and oilseeds sector. With a brief return to New Zealand on the BASF Real Results Tour, this provided me with a massive injection of enthusiasm and alternative knowledge.

With two boys at home and wife, Clare, it makes for a busy lifestyle and yet is less stressful with more time available at home thanks to the new job.

Chris now covers Scotland for AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds, running the Arable Business Groups, leading the Monitor Farm programme, technical content and wider industry engagement.