From Brooksby to 2,000 Acres: The Enduring Impact of Pete Jane’s Agricultural Journey

Nearly six decades ago, Pete Jane first travelled down the tree-lined driveway into Brooksby College - an experience he still recalls with remarkable clarity. “On the right were the assembly hall and offices… straight ahead was the main hall where we had our meals, with accommodation above,” he remembers. That arrival, some 57 years ago, marked the beginning of a journey that would lead to a distinguished 30-year career managing a 2,000-acre farm in Essex - and a lifetime shaped by the lessons learned at Brooksby College. 

Building Foundations at Brooksby 

Pete studied at Brooksby College between approximately 1965 and 1970, at a time when the college’s focus was firmly rooted in Agriculture. Course options were fewer than what is currently on offer today, but the depth of practical experience was exceptional. 

He completed a three-year programme for one day per week, followed by a General Certificate in Agriculture and then a Higher Certificate. Alongside his core studies, he embraced every opportunity to gain additional qualifications - ranging from sheep shearing and cattle handling to machinery operation and tractor driving. 

“It was all there if you chose to take it. “The more you did, the more you learned.”

The structure of the course - 50% practical and 50% classroom-based - suited Pete well. Mornings often began before sunrise, with students rotating through farm duties with pigs, dairy, livestock, and egg production from 6:00am. These early starts not only built technical knowledge but instilled discipline and teamwork.

Afternoons were equally varied, combining classroom learning, covering farm law, crop rotation and animal welfare, with hands-on skills such as machinery maintenance, livestock handling, and crop management. 

Overcoming Challenges 

One of the most defining moments of Pete’s time at Brooksby came during his entrance exam, when a lecturer recognised that he had dyslexia - something Pete had never been aware of before. 

“At school, I was just someone who couldn’t spell,” he says. “But the lecturer explained it to me and reassured me that I had passed - and that he would help.” 

That support proved transformative. With encouragement from both staff and fellow students, Pete developed strategies to succeed, often working collaboratively with his classmates. He added “The environment at Brooksby was incredible. Everyone helped each other, and that made such a difference.” 

Life Beyond the Classroom 

College life in the late 1960s was vibrant, social, and full of character. From football matches and inter-college competitions to theatre productions and student-run publications, Brooksby offered a rich student experience. 

Pete played football for the college, performed in The Importance of Being Earnest, and took part in a range of extracurricular activities.  

“There was a fantastic spirit,” he says. “We worked hard, but we definitely played hard too.” 

Local life also centred around the nearby village of Rearsby, where students would attend quiz nights and social gatherings that strengthened lifelong friendships. 

A Distinguished Career in Agriculture 

After graduating, Pete began his career as a tractor driver on a large farm in Essex. Through dedication and experience, he progressed to an Assistant Farm Manager role, and ultimately became Farm Manager - overseeing a 2,000-acre operation. 

The farm produced a wide range of crops, including wheat, barley, oats, sugar beet, potatoes, and even sunflowers grown for bird seed. 

“I was there for around 30 years,” he says. “It was a fantastic career, and Brooksby College gave me the foundation to make it happen.” 

When the farm was eventually sold, Pete transitioned into the construction industry, later becoming a Senior Contracts Manager before retiring. 

Lifelong Impact of a Brooksby Education 

Looking back on his five years at Brooksby, Pete reflects fondly on the lasting influence of the College, stating “It was an excellent grounding - not just in farming, but in life,” he says. “You don’t realise how much impact those years have until much later.” 

The friendships, skills, and resilience he developed continued well beyond graduation, with alumni gatherings and shared memories reinforcing the bond between former students. 

Words of Advice for Today’s Students 

More than half a century after his time at Brooksby, Pete’s advice to current students is simple but powerful: 

“Get involved. Do as much as you can. The more you put in, the more you will get out.”

A message that continues to reflect the spirit of Brooksby College’s past, present and future.