Farming for All: A Vision of Inclusion
Agriculture is the backbone of our society, but for too long, opportunities in the industry have been limited for people with disabilities. Inclusive Farm, founded by Mike Duxbury, is changing that narrative—proving that farming can and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability.
Mike, who lost his sight at just six years old, has spent his life proving that disability is no barrier to a successful career in farming. After being rejected from over 500 job applications due to his blindness, he took matters into his own hands and built Inclusive Farm, a fully accessible working farm in Steppingley, Bedfordshire.
The farm is not just a workplace—it’s a learning hub, an opportunity provider, and a beacon of inclusion for people with disabilities who want to pursue careers in agriculture.
How Inclusive Farm is Changing Lives
✅ Hands-On Agricultural Training
Inclusive Farm provides hands-on experience in livestock farming, offering students and disabled individuals the opportunity to develop practical skills such as animal husbandry, feeding, and general farm maintenance.
✅ Education & Collaboration
Through partnerships with institutions like Milton Keynes College, Inclusive Farm welcomes students weekly to take part in farming tasks. These real-world experiences help build confidence, independence, and teamwork—key skills for any career in agriculture.
✅ Producing & Selling Local Goods
The farm rears a variety of livestock—including pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep, and geese—producing sausages, eggs, and meat, which are sold to local butchers, restaurants, and pubs.
✅ Global Recognition & Inspiration
The impact of Inclusive Farm has reached far beyond the UK, attracting interest from Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and the U.S., as more people recognise the need for diverse and inclusive farming opportunities.
Why Inclusion in Agriculture Matters
The UK government’s Annual Population Survey found that disabled workers are least likely to be employed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing—a gap that Mike Duxbury is working tirelessly to close. Organisations like Scope continue to highlight the disability employment gap, emphasising that companies must do more to create accessible and inclusive work environments.
Mike’s mission is clear: everyone deserves a chance to pursue their passion, regardless of disability. His story serves as an inspiration to both individuals and businesses across the industry to rethink how they approach diversity in farming.
How Agricultural Businesses Can Learn from Inclusive Farm
💡 Review recruitment policies – Are you offering truly equal opportunities for disabled candidates?
💡 Improve workplace accessibility – Small changes, such as adaptive equipment and flexible work options, can make a huge difference.
💡 Partner with inclusive initiatives – Collaboration with organisations like Inclusive Farm can help businesses tap into a wider pool of skilled and passionate workers.
💡 Support training programs – By investing in education and training for people with disabilities, you’re building a stronger, more diverse workforce.
Join the Movement
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we recognise the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce in agriculture. As specialists in connecting top talent with the best opportunities in the farming sector, we support initiatives that open doors for everyone.
🌾 Interested in learning more about Inclusive Farm?
📍 Visit www.inclusivefarm.co.uk
📧 Contact: info@inclusivefarm.co.uk
💼 Looking for skilled agricultural professionals?
Get in touch with us at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists today.
