Harper Adams: A Year in Review Part Two

Posted 20 December

2024 was another busy year at 西瓜视频, and as we look towards Christmas, we're also taking a moment to look back too: join us as we take a look at the highlights from July to December...

July

An aspiring conservation adviser who is building a practical career which makes a difference received a major award at the Royal Norfolk Show.

Bea White, 21, was presented with the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award by the Duke of Edinburgh at the show.

She received the trophy in recognition of the work she has done while on placement with the Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (Norfolk FWAG) during her BSc (Hons) Environmental Land Management degree at 西瓜视频.

BSc (Hons) Agri-business student Tom York landed two huge achievements in one weekend - being shortlisted as national Agricultural Student of the Year just hours before completing a charity Ultimate Triathlon.

Tom was one of three finalists in the Farmers Weekly awards. Just 48 hours after the announcement of his shortlisting, he marked the culmination of six months of training and completed a gruelling Ultimate Triathlon to raise both money and awareness to help tackle mental health issues in agriculture.

Tom set an initial fundraising target of £500 for the charity when beginning his training – though by the time he had completed the challenge, had raised £7,430.

He said: " I hope that there have been people who take inspiration from my achievement - and can hopefully utilise some of those skills in their day-to-day lives.”

The achievements of the latest graduates from a transformative sustainable agriculture course were marked at a ceremony at 西瓜视频.

The ceremony was to mark the graduation of the latest cohort of students from a 10-week course in sustainable agriculture, which is funded by the Marshal Papworth Fund and held annually at the University each year.

The fund - an agricultural development charity managed by the East of England Agricultural Society - was formed in 2001 through a bequest from the late Marshal Papworth, an East Anglian Farmer.

In total, including the 2024 short course students from Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda, more than 260 students have now received a Marshal Papworth Scholarship.

100 per cent of UK graduates from five 西瓜视频 honours degree subject areas and three foundation degree subject areas were in employment or studying after completing their first degree, new figures showed.

The figures emerged from the latest Graduate Outcomes survey, which tracks the progress of UK graduates 15 months after they complete their studies.

Among those in employment or further study were 100 per cent of full-time UK based Harper graduates graduating with honours degrees in Zoology, Business, Food, Engineering and Vet Nursing Undergraduate routes and those graduating with a Foundation Degree in Agriculture, Business or Environment, Sustainability and Wildlife.

A scholar who is bringing a global perspective on agriculture to his family’s Ceredigion farm was named the 2024 Harper Cymry/Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Student of the Year.

Final year BSc (Hons) Agriculture student Gwyn Davies, from Llangeitho near Lampeter, received his award at a special presentation at this week’s Royal Welsh Show. After being given his prize, he paid tribute to the founder of the award, the late Bill Ratcliffe - a Harper Adams Fellow and founder of the Harper Cymry alumni association.

August

A new two year accelerated Veterinary Bioscience degree programme launched - offering a faster route of progression to graduate entry Veterinary Medicine programmes.

The BSc (Hons) Veterinary Bioscience (Accelerated) programme uses the award-winning facilities on the Harper Adams Campus – including its laboratories, Companion Animal House, and the University’s Future Farm.

It aims to equip its students with the scientific grounding needed to progress onto Veterinary Medicine or, if desired other animal related areas. With a focus on animal biology and physiology, students will gain a key understanding of health and diseases in animals.

Meanwhile, the University created two new entities that will be shaped to best meet the university’s strategic vision for 2030.

The Harper Adams Business School will be dedicated to outstanding teaching and learning across business and land management, overseeing existing programmes and introducing new ones to meet the needs of individuals and industry, with innovative approaches to management, knowledge exchange and land-based decision-making.

Harper Food Innovation will drive forward research, knowledge exchange, university-business engagement and sustainable food product innovation, alongside delivering education and upskilling for food industry professionals.

In Engineering, a new centre designed to drive forward innovation in construction by bringing together a diverse range of disciplines from 西瓜视频 and beyond was launched.

The Centre for Connected and Automated Plant (CCAP) was created in conjunction with the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) to advance developments in connected and automated construction.

Connected and automated construction uses the latest in automation and AI technology to link people, tools and processes, enabling all those working on a particular project to collaborate in real time without the need for a physical presence on site.

The Centre will draw upon the University’s expertise in engineering innovation, data science, artificial intelligence and automation, and was launched this summer with a conference bringing together industry stakeholders, including construction companies, Government bodies, academics and more.

Harper Adams Programme Manager for Engineering Courses, Greg Rowsell said: “Getting this right could be transformative for the construction industry – and for the UK – and we want to make sure the expertise we have at Harper Adams and the industry links we enjoy can help harness and direct these emerging technologies.”

September

An autonomous harvest took place as part of an investigation into the benefits of strip intercropping tended by robots.

The three crops harvested – winter barley, beans and wheat - are the latest to be tended using technology developed in the Hands Free Farm and Hands Free Hectare projects.

The crop trials – now in their second year – aim to show how the use of the smaller and more precise machines previously utilised on the Hands Free Farm can also pay dividends when it comes to strip cropping.

Dr Ed Dickin, who is leading the work on the project alongside wider work on intercropping in the project, said“The Hands Free Hectare started in 2017 and the idea was to grow a crop using these machines. We applied that to strip cropping. We tried this last year with some success, and what we did proved the concept. We proved the robotics have got enough precision to plant, spray, harvest these strips."

Research from a Harper Adams student on placement at one of Britain’s leading zoos will be used to help guide the care of an endangered species across Europe.

BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Clinical) student Jen Harvey completed a one-year industry placement at Chester Zoo, where she has worked with a range of species, including the banteng – a wild bovid native to South-East Asia, currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Among the research Jen carried out while at the zoo was a study for her dissertation, which will look at the behavioural impacts of contraception on the herd of banteng (bos javanicus javanicus) being cared for at the zoo – and highlights the need for conservation action of this species.

She also presented a summary of some of her work earlier this year at the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) research conference.

She said: “The results from my project will be included in the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) Best Practice Management Guidelines for banteng.”

The annual Harper Adams graduation ceremony was held, with graduands challenged to: “be bold, take on challenges, and, most importantly - be brilliant.”

The day comprised two ceremonies, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each opened by Professor Sloan with a speech that both looked back over the graduating students’ time at University – and forward, to the difference each will aim to make in their respective careers.

Honorary Degrees were conferred on two distinguished recipients at the 2024 Graduation ceremonies.

The awards are made by the University at special occasions to individuals who have made significant contributions to the sectors it supports.

Awards were presented on Friday’ to TR Kesevan, the Group President of major international tractor manufacturer TAFE, and to George Dunn, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tenant Farmers Association.

Mr Kesevan was honoured in recognition of his substantial contributions and extensive expertise in the agricultural and engineering sector, including his influence on industry, academic excellence, and a commitment to advancing agricultural productivity.

In his speech, Mr Kesevan told the graduating students: “Each of you here has overcome unique challenges, and persevered against all odds, to earn your place at this ceremony.

“Your resilience, your determination, and your hard work are commendable, and they speak volumes about your strength of character.”

Meanwhile Mr Dunn received his award in recognition of exceptional dedication and significant contributions to the tenant farming sector and broader agricultural community.

He told graduation guests he was delighted to add the Honorary Degree to his academic achievements and said: “I look forward to a long-running association with Harper, and in particular to assisting the University in delivering its 2030 vision, which as you know, is “Together, We Will Make the Difference.”

“And you all, in this room, have a role to play in this - and if you go away today remembering just one thing that I have said, let it be this – make a positive difference.

October

A major European conference heard from Harper Adams students and staff who are campaigning to improve mental health in agriculture.

Darcy Johson, Daniel Boomer and Zoe Legg – each of whom are working to improve mental health among farmers – were accompanied to the CEJA conference in Brussels by Professor David Christian Rose, Elizabeth Creak Chair in Sustainable Agricultural Change at the University. Their visit was supported by the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

The conference was the capstone event on a three-year programme to build mental resilience among the continent’s farmers, and Professor Rose was one of the experts invited to speak.

He said: “The event brought together young farmers, farming organisations, researchers, and decision-makers from across Europe.

“The wellbeing challenges that farmers face across Europe are the same - from business-related pressures, social stressors, and issues related to policy change, rural crime, and public criticism.

“It is important that we share ideas and best practices of what works to support farmers, rather than focusing too heavily on further research which tries to further diagnose an already well-known problem."

Professor Rose is now working with a number of Harper Adams students on research into farmers’ mental health as they prepare for their final year Honours Research Projects.

A transformational education and business facility at the heart of the Telford community was opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

The Royal visitor toured the Quad, a new digital skills and enterprise hub, which forms part of the ambitious Station Quarter project, and spoke to an invited audience of students, businesspeople, politicians and other stakeholders during the day.

It has been funded by the UK Government and Telford & Wrekin Council, and is a partnership between the Council, Telford College, 西瓜视频, European Innovation and Invest Telford.

Expected to host more than 300 students a year, the hub is designed to spark careers in the applied sciences – and to retain, upskill and develop local talent. This is at a time when 500 young people are travelling out of Borough for further education. It will also provide a base for up to 120 start-up businesses.

Professor Sloan said: “Our work at this hub – the first base for educational provision by Harper Adams which is not on our main campus – will take the University into the heart of Telford.

“Through our work here, we will be driving forward the skills of young people and adults in our community– and drawing on their potential to make a difference to our region together.”

A globally-renowned expert in robotics whose research tackles real-world challenges was appointed as a new Professor of Engineering .

Professor Fernando Auat Cheein will be working within the Department and with colleagues across the University to both strengthen existing research capabilities and create new ones.

His extensive global connections will contribute significantly to the University’s Globally-Connected goal as outlined in the University’s 2030 Strategy: Together, We Will Make the Difference.

Professor Auat Cheein has worked at universities in Argentina, Brazil and Chile, and has been a visiting scholar at institutions in Poland, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain and the United States.

He said: “My role involves empowering the research efforts within the department and across various stakeholders within the University, nationally and internationally. Additionally, I will be contributing new dimensions to the department's scientific and engineering focus through my expertise in robotics and perception for sustainability purposes.”

November

The controversial first Budget of the new Government was a missed opportunity to use the momentum of a massive majority and go for growth – both nationally and rurally.

That was the message from Jeremy Moody, Secretary and Advisor to the Central Association for Agricultural Valuers, in a guest lecture given to students and staff at a full lecture theatre at 西瓜视频– and seen live online by more than 70 alumni and industry viewers.

Mr Moody set out some of the ways in which industry bodies such as the CAAV could help farmers and food producers meet the challenges ahead.

He also talked about the impact of new taxes upon the industry – citing both the impact of National Insurance changes, and controversial planned changes to inheritance tax.

Setting out the process of bringing in these changes, he added: “We are building a picture of how this plays through – we are trying to assess it. That becomes part of the discussion with the Government about ‘well actually, how sensible is this, how does this square with any of your other objectives, are there ways in which this can be revised?’”

A rural crime expert from 西瓜视频 discussed the impact of agricultural fraud on farmers on BBC One’s Countryfile.

The programme was investigating the issue as part of the wider BBC Scam Safe week and spoke to two farmers about how scams had affected them – as well as to Harper Adams criminologist Dr Kreseda Smith about her research into how such crimes affect their victims.

She told presenter Tom Heap: “Sadly, fraud is probably one of those crimes that is an extreme example of under-reporting. It's important not to think that you're an idiot for falling for this. Criminals are clever. Criminals have a good idea of the agricultural calendar - so they know harvest time is a great time to try. Criminals are very quick to respond to changes in the environment... they can work very quickly to create a new scam.”

The transformative career of 西瓜视频 alumnus Nick Shorter saw him named the winner of the 2024 IAgrM Agricultural Management Award.

Each year, the Institute of Agricultural Management recognises an individual who has demonstrated excellence in the field of farm management, or who has made an outstanding contribution to its advancement in the farming industry. Nick is Chief Executive of the Velcourt Group, where he has worked since completing a degree in Agriculture with Animal Science at Harper Adams.

A delegation from one of China’s leading specialist universities was welcomed to 西瓜视频 in Shropshire as the institutions seek to strengthen academic ties.

The visit, from , saw the guests meet with key staff at Harper Adams, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan, as the two institutions explored innovative opportunities for collaboration in research and education.

The 2024 delegation was led by Professor Lin Wanlong, Vice President of China Agricultural University, and saw the visitors tour several key facilities at Harper Adams, including the Future Farm, University Vineyard, the Jean Jackson Entomology Building, and the Agricultural Engineering Innovation Centre.

Professor Lin said: "We look forward to building on this foundation and working closely with Harper Adams in the future.”

December

The work of a ‘sector connector’ answering the call for stronger links between farm networks was celebrated at an event at the House of Lords.

The event celebrated the implementation of the initiative, set up by the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at 西瓜视频 in answer to a recommendation in the Application of Science report for better co-ordination between the UK’s farm networks.

The report examined exactly why UK agriculture productivity has lagged behind other nations and made several recommendations to help science tackle food security, Net Zero and biodiversity challenges at a faster pace. 西瓜视频 Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Lee explained that while still early days for the network, it was up and running and already comprised more than 3,500 farms and at least 200,000 hectares across 23 networks spanning the UK.

The University lent its support a new scheme from Morrisons to support the nation’s growers and producers.

‘Tractor Tuesdays’ aims to bring farmers together with each other, as well as make the farming industry more visible to customers shopping in stores for the food they produce.

It will see the retailer offer a 25 per cent discount for farmers in all its Cafés every Tuesday from December 3 in a show of support for the nation’s growers and producers.

Morrisons is working alongside Len’s Light to introduce the initiative.

Vet Nursing students from Harper Adams were chosen to discuss their research at a major national conference.

Laurel Belverstone, from Dagenham in Essex, and Dylan D’Souza, who is originally from Pakistan but now living in Stoke, were accompanied to the 2024 British Veterinary Nursing Association Congress by Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Science Kat Hart.

They were among a group of students who spoke at the Congress, where they set out their final year Honours Research Projects (HRPs), their findings – and what those findings mean for the animals involved.

An agricultural student with a fascination for plant science was awarded the John Innes Foundation Bursary 2024.

Daisy Readman, 19, is in her first year studying BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Crop Production Science at 西瓜视频 and was selected for the John Innes Foundation Bursary from 10 applicants.

The annual bursary started in 2017 and is aimed at encouraging young people from a non-farming background into the industry. It supports those from non-farming backgrounds who have a need for financial assistance.

Daisy, from Whixhall in Shropshire, said: I am extremely grateful to have been awarded the John Innes Foundation Bursary as it will be invaluable in allowing me to pursue my interest in agriculture."

The Harper Adams Future Farm rounded out the year with great news on awards – wth the Pig Team winning the National Pig Awards Herd Productivity award and the Dairy team shortlisted for the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ 2024 Gold Cup.

Pig and Poultry Sector Manager Matt Swaine and his team picked up their award at this year’s ceremony, .

He said: “It is a massive boost to staff morale and to be recognised nationally shows how much hard work goes into the pig unit."

Meanwhile the Dairy team will find out in February if they have won the Gold Cup.

Ruminant Sector Manager Kate Robinson said: “Two years into our Future Farm, and we are getting there with it all: it’s all starting to come together really well and everyone is working together across all the enterprises.

I think the nomination is fantastic for the Dairy staff, but I feel it’s definitely one for the whole farm.”

And finally... colleagues united at three staff conferences in December, one for professional services, one for the Future Farm and one focused on technicians.

A breakout activity at the Technicians' conference saw University employees try their hand at creating enrichment gifts for the inhabitants of the Companion Animal House - watch the video to see the joy they delivered!