MDS Ltd

03/06/2026

We're heading to Cereals 2026! 🌾

The MDS team will be exhibiting at Cereals Event on 10-11 June at Diddly Squat Farm, and we'd love to see you there.

Whether you're a current Trainee, MDS alumni, Member, future applicant, or a business interested in becoming an MDS Member, we'd love to see you at Stand 160.

Come and chat to the team to find out more about the programme, career opportunities in the industry, and how MDS supports both Trainees and Members across the food, fresh produce and agriculture sectors.

If you're attending, let us know in the comments!

📍 Stand 160
📅 10-11 June 2026
🌾 Diddly Squat Farm

01/06/2026

We're delighted that Max MacGillivray will be hosting this year's MDS Annual Conference!

As part of our celebrations, Max is collecting stories from across the MDS community to help celebrate the people, moments and experiences that have shaped MDS over the years.

If you're a current Trainee, alumni, mentor, Member or supporter, take a look at Max's post below and get involved. We'd love to hear your story!

20/05/2026

"I joined MDS as a trainee in 2014. Now I manage the relationship between MDS and Syngenta - and those two things are more connected than you might expect." - Jen Chatwin, Interim Marketing Team Lead at Syngenta.

"When a new trainee arrives at Syngenta, I remember exactly what that feels like. The mix of excitement and fear. A new job, new colleagues, a new company - and a new town to figure out on top of it all. It's a lot. And it's also the beginning of something really good.

I think about the feedback I received during my first placement often. Mainly the constructive parts! At the time, some of it stung a little. But I've carried it with me and it reminds me how much I've grown. It also helps put me back in those first-day shoes when I'm sitting across from a trainee who's just starting out.

To everyone who has supported an MDS trainee along the way: you're part of their story too. More than you probably realise!"

18/05/2026

Some things run in the family. A love of agriculture is one of them. MDS is another.

Phil Kingsmill was MDS trainee number 5. Decades later, his daughter Jen Chatwin joined the programme. Different eras, different placements, but the same reason for saying yes: experience as much of agriculture as possible, as quickly as possible, and build something that lasts.

MDS has grown enormously in 40 years, but that core offer hasn't changed. And that's exactly why it works.

"We both chose MDS for the range of opportunities ahead. Neither of us wanted to start our careers with a narrow view of the industry. MDS gave us the opposite of that."

Here's to 40 more years of opening doors for the next generation. 🌱

Syngenta

12/05/2026

MDS Members - our Annual Conference is coming up fast 📅

If you haven’t secured your place yet, now’s the time! Join fellow Members, industry leaders, current and future Trainees, and the wider MDS network for a day of insight, connection, and conversations shaping the future of food and farming.

We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together once again for what promises to be a fantastic event.

Sign up now to avoid missing out! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mds-annual-conference-2026-member-registration-tickets-1984773348514

10/05/2026

As part of our campaign, we’re celebrating the people who helped build MDS from the very beginning. 🌱

Sharon Norman joined MDS when her children were young, starting part-time before growing alongside the business in its early years. Over time, she became an advocate for training, development, and supporting Trainees beyond just the recruitment process.
Looking back on her journey, Sharon shared that MDS gave her confidence and helped shape the person she became.

From helping organise MDS’ 10 year anniversary celebration to championing apprenticeships and training opportunities, Sharon played an important role in shaping the culture and values that still exist at MDS today.

Thank you, Sharon, for being an important part of the MDS story️!

07/05/2026

The impact of an MDS secondment doesn’t stop when it ends.

Huw Tong travelled to the States with his Member company, Protolan, where he gained first-hand experience of a very different market and saw the industry through a global lens.

From working with clients to building commercial awareness, these are the kinds of skills that carry forward, wherever your career takes you.

Read more about Huw’s experience on our website.

https://www.mds-ltd.co.uk/mds-experience/taking-mds-stateside-protolan/

05/05/2026

We’re still celebrating after an amazing night at last week’s The Apprenticeship Guide Awards ✨

MDS was recognised with:

🏆 Best Apprenticeship in Agriculture and Animal Care - WINNER
👏 Best Employer (Small) - Highly Commended

And yes... that means we’ve now won Best Apprenticeship in Agriculture for the second year running!

The judges recognised the measurable impact of our programme, our long-term approach to development, and the consistent coaching and support given throughout every Trainee’s journey. To receive recognition like this from industry experts is something we’re incredibly proud of.

These awards reflect the people behind MDS - our team, our Members, our partners, and of course our Trainees, who continue to make the programme what it is.

A huge thank you to everyone who plays a part in making this happen 🙌

04/05/2026

Ariana’s journey in agriculture began long before MDS - growing up on a family farm and developing a strong connection to the industry from an early age.

Her experience highlights the importance of women in agriculture, and the growing opportunities for women to build and thrive in the sector.

As MDS marks 40 years of developing future leaders in agriculture, stories like Ariana’s reflect how the industry continues to evolve - becoming more diverse, more inclusive, and full of opportunity for the next generation. 🌱

From hands-on experience to developing confidence and industry knowledge, Ariana’s story is a great example of what those opportunities can lead to.

Read more about Ariana’s journey on our website: https://www.mds-ltd.co.uk/mds-experience/women-in-agriculture-arianas-journey/

01/05/2026

Absolutely delighted!!

We're pleased to announce our first winner of the evening 🥂

Our first winner of the night has been recognised by judges due to a truly strong entry that demonstrated clear outcomes and measurable impact throughout the programme. The longer-term approach, supported by consistent coaching, showed a real commitment to development.

The winner of Best Apprenticeship in Agriculture and Animal Care is ... MDS Ltd!

Congratulations on your win!