Agricultural students awarded Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries

Now in their fourth year, and attracting a record number of entries, Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries are awarded to both Further Education and Higher Education students studying an agriculture-based course at colleges in the South West.

“Supporting the next generation of farmers is crucial to the future of agriculture in the South West and our bursaries form just part of this support,” says Cornish Mutual Chief Executive Officer Peter Beaumont. “All of this year’s recipients demonstrated a clear passion for their areas of interest and a determination to play a role in the future of agriculture.”

 

Higher Education Bursary

Imogen Ellis (Duchy College)

After a 14-year career as a primary school teacher, which she did alongside working on local farms, Imogen decided to pursue a full-time career in agriculture. Now in her third year of an Agriculture degree, she has an interest in the connection between farming, local food and nutrition.

“Leaving my role in teaching was a big leap of faith but I’m passionate about the industry and believe I have a lot to offer. By working with schools, farmers and supermarkets I’d like to create links and advice to support families with decision-making around food.”

 

Poppy Cook (University Centre Somerset)

Currently studying a Level 5 course in Agricultural Business Management, Poppy is also an active member of Young Farmers, Devon Women in Dairy and Holstein Young Breeders. She believes in the role of technology in the future of farming and wants to support the diversification of her family farm.

“I want to be a role model for young farmers and show that with the right skills and a bit of creativity, it is possible to contribute positively to the future of agriculture. I want to inspire many other young individuals to consider a career in farming as there are so many opportunities in this industry if you get out there.”

 

Further Education Bursary

Tia Whitrow (Bicton College)

Level 2 Agriculture student and active Young Farmer Tia was awarded a Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Further Education Bursary. She grew up on a family farm and always wanted a career in farming “Not a day goes by without me doing something related to agriculture. This could be anything from animal husbandry and hedging to stock judging and showing,” said Tia.

Tia plans to use the bursary to fund extra qualifications and expand her skills: “I’ve got big dreams to help my parents progress the family farm further. One day I would also like to spend some time working in New Zealand and maybe even break some shearing records!”

 

Eloise Hickey (Bridgwater and Taunton College)

Eloise is studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture at the college’s Cannington Campus, and despite not coming from a farming background, she has always wanted to be a farmer: “I approached a local dairy farmer for work experience. After just one session milking the cows and feeding the calves, I knew I had made the right choice.”

As well as continuing to work on the same local farm, Eloise has also gained experience in other areas of farming and would like to use the bursary to expand her skills further: “I’d like to use the funds to contribute to telehandler and AI courses, allowing me to operate more farm machinery safely and improve my employability in the industry.”

 

Jacob Frost (Duchy College)

Jacob is studying a Level 3 Agriculture course and has an interest in regenerative farming. Although not originally from a farming family, he is keen to build a career in the industry: “I like working in agriculture because there is so much to learn and it's a job which is predominantly based outdoors where no two days are the same.”

When asked how he would spend his bursary, Jacob said: “I would like to spend the money on the assessments for a telehandler ticket and ATV ticket. This would mean I could use a quad bike to help manage grassland pastures at the organic dairy farm I work at, making me more useful to the farm and any future places of work.

 

Katie Burgoine (Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College)

Katie is also from outside the agricultural industry but is determined to build a career in the industry. She is studying a Level 3 Agriculture T-Level in Livestock Production at the Kingston Maurward campus.

Katie developed an interest in farming after working as a veterinary care assistant and raising her own chicks. “The idea of working hard no matter the day or weather is so exhilarating to me. I love the fact that each day brings new and different tasks and challenges to face, and you never know what will happen,” said Katie.

“I plan to use the bursary to fund driving lessons so I can travel to local farms for work experience. I’d like to also gain either my AI or foot trimming ticket which could make me more employable and expand my horizons further.”

 

The Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries are part of the Future Farming Programme, which supports the future of agriculture in the region. To find out more, visit: https://www.corlaurenishmutual.co.uk/cmfuturefarming/young-farmer-bursaries/