Ashley’s Nuffield Scholarship research explores the impact of human systems on the longevity and wellbeing of agricultural employees. With Canada’s agricultural sector facing a projected labour gap of more than 100,000 jobs by 2030, he believes the future of sustainability lies in investing in people as much as in technology or production. His research seeks to uncover global best practices in recruitment, retention, and workforce development, and to translate those lessons into practical, adaptable tools for Canadian producers.