New entrant John Innes Foundation Bursary Awarded to Harper Adams student for 2024
An agricultural student who has a fascination for plant science has been awarded the John Innes Foundation Bursary, which supports young people from non-farming background who have a need for financial assistance.
Daisy Readman, 19, is in her first year studying Agriculture with Crop Production Science at Harper Adams University in Newport and was selected for the John Innes Foundation Bursary from 10 applicants.
The annual bursary started in 2017 is aimed at encouraging young people from a non-farming background into the industry.
Daisy, from Whixhall in Shropshire, said: “I do not come from a home farm, but living in a rural area I developed an interest in agriculture at a young age. Having developed my own small flock of Llyn sheep, I initially envisioned myself working with livestock. However, since undertaking work experience with Spunhill, a local agronomy company, my interests have shifted more towards agronomy, particularly the science and technology underpinning crop production.
Whilst completing my A-levels, I secured a place at Harper Adams to study the BSc Honours Agriculture with Crop Production Science course, however, due to not being from a farming background I lacked practical experience in the field. Recognising this, I took the opportunity to apply for seasonal work at UPL, a local agrochemical research and development site. Over the summer I was part of the Farm Operations Team, where I gained valuable hands-on experience and developed essential machinery skills, an understanding of crop husbandry and also gained an insight into crop trials. This job not only deepened my interest in agriculture, but also confirmed my passion to pursue a career in agronomy. Having started my course at Harper, I have already found the practical experience that I gained in the field invaluable in helping me to set some of the theory taught in lectures into context.
As someone who is not from a farming background, 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 bursary will provide me with both the financial support, and importantly the mentoring and contacts to gain the necessary agronomic and practical hands-on experience, which I otherwise might not have had access to. This will enable me to help farmers & growers adapt to the challenges in the future and hopefully have a meaningful impact on the industry.”
The bursary will cover three years of Daisy’s course fees, as well giving her the opportunity to work closely with Keith Norman, farming consultant and former director at Velcourt UK. The scheme also provides work experience opportunities during university breaks with placements offered at many organisations including NIAB, Hutchinsons and the National Trust Farms.
JIF’s mission is to advance the acquisition and application of knowledge about plants and microbes for societal, environmental, and commercial benefit. JIF delivers its mission by:
- Supporting scientific research, education, training and public engagement
- Maintaining and exploiting a unique historical collection of books and other documents
- Emphasising the importance of innovation in agriculture and horticulture
- Working in close association with a range of partners, including John Innes Centre, University of East Anglia and Anglia Innovation Partners LLP.
Daisy had tough competition to win the JIF Bursary, as interviewers were similarly impressed with her fellow Harper Adams University Agriculture with Crop Production Science student Archie Harrison. Interviewers had such a tough decision between the two candidates, that although the financial side of the bursary could only be awarded to one of the two candidates, that it was decided that the runner up would be offered the same level of mentorship from Keith Norman.
Archie, 18, from Navenby in Lincolnshire said: “My interest for this sector grew from Lockdown, living in the countryside provided an opportunity to explore my local environment. I started taking photographs of the farmers during harvest for my school project, then through talking to farmers and volunteering on local farms, I learnt about the challenging and diverse work farmers undertake to provide sustainable, high quality, nutritious food. Inspired, I joined my local Young Farmers group.
Visiting many innovative farms and agricultural businesses through Young Farmers has inspired me to think about the future and how we can use technology to increase productivity, reduce carbon and increase food security. I am also very interested in technology and the use of drones within farming. My ultimate aim is to become an agronomist, I am really delighted that I have been selected to receive professional mentoring support through the Foundation, it will really help to steer and support me on this journey”.
Keith, trustee and mentor at the John Innes Foundation, said: “we are delighted to be able to assist Daisy and Archie with their intended careers through a Bursary and Mentoring. It is good to see such inspiring candidates coming forward into the industry.“
The bursary scheme is administrated and supported by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), whose managing director Mark Nicholas said: “The RNAA has been delighted to help the John Innes Foundation find two exceptional candidates.
“As an organisation supporting young people, our mission is to ensure that we help enable potential and raise aspirations.”