Harper Adams University students named contenders for Farmers Weekly awards
Two of the final three places in this year’s Farmers Weekly Agricultural Student of the Year competition have once again been taken by Harper Adams University students.
BSc (Hons) Agriculture student Harry Davies and BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science student Isla Soutter were today both confirmed as contenders for the national award, which will be announced at the annual Farmers Weekly awards in October.
Isla, originally from Penrith in Cumbria but now living in Leicestershire, said: “I was very surprised to have been shortlisted for the Farmers Weekly Awards and to have come this far within the selection process – yet it is a privilege to have been shortlisted and be recognised for my involvement within agriculture.”
And Harry, from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, added: “I am delighted and surprised to have been shortlisted and it is a great way to round off four fantastic years at Harper.”
Both were praised by Dr Russell Readman, Course Manager for Agriculture at Harper Adams, who said: “Congratulations to both Isla and Harry for their success in this year’s awards – I am very proud of them, they are both excellent candidates for the award ,demonstrating an unrivalled enthusiasm and passion for our industry and ready to address the challenges for the future.
“It is excellent to see two of our students once more being shortlisted, and their success underlines the quality of our students – as well as continuing the University’s track record of success in these awards.”
Isla said: “I chose to study at Harper as I wanted to further pursue my passion for Agriculture and food production.
“The significance my course has to the future of the meat and livestock industry is substantial. Animal production is essential to the rural economy and is essential that we understand the animal welfare, food quality and the environmental challenges facing the industry.
“I am a firm believer that we can ensure a sustainable future for livestock farmers with the help of genetics and nutrition, and I want to be part of achieving this.
And Harry added: “I decided to study Agriculture at Harper Adams University due to the herculean challenge that is facing the food production sector.
“Every day our planet’s population grows by 200,000 people, meanwhile every night nearly one billion people go to bed hungry.
“A growing global population, evolving diets and an ever-increasing understanding of the environmental impacts of food production means that the challenge facing agriculture has never been greater.
“This is the greatest challenge that humanity has ever faced – yet it is a challenge that excites me, and I am optimistic that it can be overcome. I chose to study Agriculture at Harper Adams University as I believe it will provide me the knowledge and experience to be one of the best food producers and be a part of the solution to humanity’s greatest challenge.”
As well as extending her understanding of agriculture itself, Isla believes that her studies will prove to be the start of a long career in the sector.
She said: “Coming to study at Harper has set my feet on the ground to start a career within the industry and be a part of achieving great things.”
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – I have met many inspiring and intelligent people since coming to Harper and have many to thank for some amazing memories.
“I can strongly say I have come out of Harper gaining greater knowledge and have had some brilliant opportunities – which has encouraged me to achieve my future goals.”
And Harry believes his studies have awakened a lifelong curiosity which will shape his thinking over the coming decades.
He added: “Having access to industry leaders as lecturers over the period of my course has offered me a unique perspective on the challenges facing farmers and land managers over the next 30 years.
“This access has allowed me to develop my critical thinking skills, meaning that I am leaving Harper with more questions than when I arrived as a first year.”