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Scholars lead the field with Farmers Weekly Agricultural Student of the Year nominations

Posted Today

A pair of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ students have been shortlisted for this year’s Farmers Weekly Agricultural Student of the Year competition.

Final year Agriculture scholars Emma Burgess and Betty Battarbee will find out if they have been chosen as this year’s winner at the annual Farmers Weekly awards on Thursday, October 1.

Emma, from the Shetland Islands, said: “I am very grateful to have this opportunity and to be alongside such hardworking, inspiring candidates.

“We run a family farm of 130 dairy cows and 1000 breeding ewes – but, due to the Shetland Islands' distance from the mainland, it isolates us from opportunities.

“This is why I decided to study agriculture at Harper Adams - to bring more new knowledge and opportunities back.”

Betty, from Lancashire, said: “I was genuinely surprised and incredibly honoured to be shortlisted.

“The nomination means a great deal, because it reflects not only my academic achievements, but also the challenges I have overcome during my time at university.

“Losing both of my parents and the family farm while studying was incredibly difficult, but it strengthened my determination to succeed and make the most of every opportunity.

“Being shortlisted feels like recognition of the resilience, commitment and passion that have shaped my journey, and I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Both students have travelled around the world during their time at Harper Adams after securing Scholarships thanks to the work of the University’s Development Trust.

Emma was awarded a Country Land and Business Association Charitable Trust Scholarship - which enabled her to travel from the Shetlands to New Zealand and take up a placement at Storth Oaks Angus, which uses high-performance genetics to boost the profitability of its cattle.

Meanwhile, Betty secured both a Clyde Higgs Undergraduate Scholarship and was also named the recipient of the George Crawford Scholarship in her second year – allowing her to undertake a placement at Hesdon Holsteins in British Columbia, Canada.

She added: “Going to Canada for placement had been my mum’s wish for me, so being able to fulfil that through the support of the George Crawford Scholarship was incredibly special.”

Looking back at their time at Harper Adams, both students cite its supportive community as being crucial during their time at University.

Emma said: “It was a hard decision to move so far away to study, but Harper supported the jump between my education back home in the Shetlands and University - and has provided a vast scale of opportunity in the classroom and out, not only academically, but socially too.”

Betty added: “Studying at Harper Adams has been a fantastic experience.

“The combination of academic learning and practical application is what makes the university unique, and the lecturers are highly knowledgeable, supportive, and well connected with industry, which helps bring the subject matter to life.

“The supportive community at Harper has been especially important to me over the last few years - and has helped me develop both personally and professionally. I will always be grateful for the opportunities and support that the university has provided.”

Dr Russell Readman, Final Year Course Tutor for Agriculture at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ, said: “It is excellent to see two Harper Adams Agrics shortlisted yet again for these awards.

“Both Emma and Betty are very worthy candidates.”

Course Manager for Agriculture Louisa Dines added: “I am delighted to see Betty and Emma in the final line up for this award - both have worked hard in their time at Harper and have very deserving stories.

“There can only be one winner on the night - but I have no doubt that we will see both of these two bringing their dedication and skills to benefit the agricultural industry in the future.”