Nuffield UK announces 2010 Scholarship award winners
Starting out on their journeys of a lifetime, 21 new hopefuls from the farming, food chain and rural industries have been announced winners of a 2010 Nuffield Farming Scholarship Award.
Drawn from all corners of the country, their travels begin in the USA at a pre-study 'International Conference' focusing on global food and farming issues, where they will also join fellow Nuffield Scholars from around the world, prior to setting off on their solo studies in the spring.
"Carrying the flag for British food and farming, our newly awarded Scholars are impatient to travel, to meet industry experts at the top of their fields, to gather groundbreaking information and bring back recommendations that can help steer UK farming's future," says John Stones, Director, Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, who congratulates this year's award winners on their achievement and being selected form a record number of applicants in 2009.
"Our 2010 Scholars include farmers and farm managers running livestock and cropping enterprises of various sizes, several 'farm-to-fork' food retailers, along with a specialist sheep consultant and a conservation advisor. We have also awarded an agronomist, a farming policy adviser, a specialist avian vet and a bee keeper who is keen to research and get to the heart of the decline of the honey bee.
"Sharing a passion to study a topic that they feel strongly about, this year's study themes include 'new entrants to farming' and 'climbing the farming ladder', 'the route to sustainable agriculture', 'the search for green opportunities' and 'practical alternatives to inorganic fertilisers'. They also include studies on the softer skills in farming with two Scholars examining 'the attributes of successful business people' and 'how to communicate effectively with farmers."
International Conference, Washington DC
John Stones points out: "The study topics chosen by all our Scholars are highly geared towards the UK farming industry and how they can benefit UK farmers. But their first Nuffield experience is truly global."
At an international gathering in Washington in March, UK award winners will be joined by Nuffield Scholars from Australia, Canada, France, Ireland and New Zealand - along with delegates from like-minded associations from around the world, such as the Eisenhower Fellowships [USA], the Executive Programme for Agricultural Producers [USA], Global Dairy Farmers [Netherlands], the Mexican Farm Co-operative and the Uruguayan Farmers.
The focus of this year's event is the 'global food crisis', with Scholars being challenged to think about world food production, its uncertainties and its interdependencies, and understand how agriculture fits within the jigsaw of world politics, energy supplies and population growth.
How can a global population of nine billion be fed healthily and sustainably? How can it be in the best interests of a nation to maintain food prices at low levels to the detriment of food producers? How, as an industry, do we place more value on food to ensure the people who produce it can maintain an equitable and sustainable existence? These are some of the questions that will be examined and debated.
"Forming part of an ambitious international learning programme run by Nuffield, the conference will help strengthen Scholar's understanding of the global food system and help them understand the implications for UK farming patterns," explains John. "But, just as important, it will also provide our Scholars with an exceptional forum for exchanging their ideas and building new networks.
"Our new Scholars will soon get a feel for the bigger picture and their new contacts are bound to bring a global dimension to their future studies."
Nuffield Farming Scholarships
Supported and sponsored by leading agribusiness organisations, charities and individuals, this year's award winners join a growing and influential group of over 600 scholars in the UK and over 1,000 worldwide, all of whom have travelled internationally and explored subjects and issues in a global context far beyond their back yards.
"A Nuffield Scholarship can open doors and provides opportunities for both life-long learning and self-improvement," points out John Stones. "For many a Scholarship experience has changed their lives. It has opened their eyes, ears and their minds to the wider world, giving them the confidence to develop their management and business skills, to pursue their personal goals, as well as to become active leaders within UK agriculture.
"Again this year, our selection panel for new Scholars was impressed with the quality of the applications, and it is reassuring to see the enthusiasm and drive of so many younger people in the industry.
"The standard of candidates was very high and to succeed in winning an award has been a real achievement. Those who did not succeed will undoubtedly be disappointed, but will be encouraged to apply again."
Information on Nuffield Farming Scholarship Awards - and how to apply - can be found at www.nuffieldscholar.org. Individuals interested in applying, but requiring further information, are also invited to contact the NFST Director, John Stones, on Tel. 01858 555544 (Email. nuffielddirector@aol.com).
Applications for the 2011Nuffield Farming Scholarship programme will be taken up to the 15th November 2010 (latest), with shortlisted candidates being invited to attend an interview in London in late January 2011.
A summary of the 2010 Nuffield Scholarship winners follows below.
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2010 NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARS BY REGION
England
Rona Amiss (Crockernwell, Exeter)
Kevin Beaty (Carlisle, Cumbria)
Marnie Dobson (Tarporley, Cheshire)
Clare Greener (Much Wenlock, Shropshire)
Chris Falconer (Bideford, Devon)
Malcolm Fewster (Gomersal, Cleckheaton)
George Finch (Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire)
Helen Houghton (Towcester, Northants)
Scott Kirby (Newport, Shropshire)
Jo Paterson (Buntingford, Herts)
James Peck (Dry Drayton, Cambridge)
Tim Powell (Bridgnorth, Shropshire)
Caroline Stocks (Vauxhall, London)
Helen Thoday (Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire)
Adam West (Ledbury, Herefordshire)
Scotland
Michael Blanche (Methven, Perth)
Jim Baird (Kirkfieldbank, Lanark)
Andrew Scarlett (Meigle, Perthshire)
Wales
Tony Davies (Rhayader, Powys)
Arwyn Owen (Beddgelert, Gwynedd)
Rhys Williams (Pwllheli, Gwynedd)
2010 NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS (UK)
The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is pleased to announce the following 2010 Awards:
Award sponsor to be confirmed
Rona Amiss
Higher Fingle Farm, Crockernwell, Exeter, EX6 6NP
Tel. 01647 281281 Email. intray@higherfingle.co.uk
Study: 'New entrants to farming'
Farmer supplying organic free-range ducks, geese and eggs for year round sales. Marketed under the 'Higher Fingle Farm' own brand. Birds processed in own abattoir on smallholding.
MacRobert / Scotland Award
Michael Blanche
East Busby Farmhouse, Methven, Perth, Scotland, PH1 3SY
Tel. 01738 840999 Mob. 07841 354875 Email. michael.blanche@btconnect.com
Study: 'The farming ladder'
Agricultural consultant and farmer - specialising in breeding composite wool shedding sheep using high indexed Wiltshire Horns, Lleyns and Texels, and targeting both carcass and maternal traits.
Royal Highland Agricultural Society / Scotland Award
James (Jim) Baird
Nether Affleck Farm, Kirkfieldbank, Lanark, Scotland, ML11 9UJ
Tel. 01555 663263 Mob. 07811 571205 Email. jim@naffleck.fsnet.co.uk
Study: 'Attributes of enterprising rural businesses'
Dairy farmer in family business, milking 300 cows in two units.
Trehane Trust / Dartington Cattle Breeding Trust Award
Kevin Beaty
Hilltop, Ivegill, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA4 ONR
Tel. 016974 73264 Mob. 07775 993212 Email. kevin@hilltoporganics.co.uk
Study: 'Milk markets'
Partner in the family dairy farm, milking 250 cows currently in organic conversion. The farm has also diversified into garden waste composting and services recycling contracts for the local authority. A farmer board member of DairyCo.
Nuffield / Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Award
Antony (Tony) Davies
Henfron, Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HE
Tel. 01597 811240 Mob. 07964 762318 Email. mail@elanvalleymutton.co.uk
Study: 'Marketing mutton'
Partner in organic sheep farm and director of 'Elan Valley Mutton'.
Award sponsor to be confirmed
Marnie Dobson
Radmore Green Farm, Spurstow, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9RL
Tel. 01829 260437 Wk Tel. 01829 260437 Mob. 07779 686367 Email. marniedobson@talktalk.net
Study: 'How to grow a niche market'
Manager of goat meat business, 'Chesnut Meat's. Cutting plant on site and sales made via Farmers Markets, food fairs and the internet.
Dartington Cattle Breeding Trust / Trehane Trust Award
Christopher (Chris) Falconer
Cockington Farm, Abbotsham, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5BN
Tel. 01237 451671 Wk Tel. 01237 451164 Mob. 07800 555675 Email. falconfarming@btinternet.com
Study: 'Sustainable agriculture'
Dairy farmer operating a contract farming business and partner in 'The Organic Milk Partnership' milking 1,100 cows. Also a monitor farm for DairyCo grass growth programme.
Yorkshire Agricultural Society Award
Malcolm Fewster
Winskill, Listing Mill Farm, Listing Lane, Gomersal, Cleckheaton, BD19 4HS
Tel. 01274 862684 Mob. 07794 54194 Email. fewsterme@googlemail.com
Study: 'Pastoral dairy farming'
Dairy Farmer on family farm. A high output dairy farm on the urban fringe.
Award sponsor to be confirmed
George Finch
2 Upper Linbrook Cottages, Kingstanding, Needwood, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 9PF
Tel. 01283 575044 Wk Tel. 01283 711547 Mob. 07909 526264 Email. george.finch@medium-rare.co.uk
Study: 'New markets for UK meats'
Partner in a meat marketing and distribution business - called 'Medium Rare' - buying direct from farmers to market their livestock direct to the consumer. Members of the 'Guild of Q Butchers'.
Nuffield Trust Award
Clare Greener
Corner House, East Wall, Much Wenlock, Shropshire, TF13 6DU
Tel. 01694 771517 Wk Tel. 01952 409238 Mob. 07771 626080 Email. clare.greener@nfu.org.uk
Study: 'Communication'
Senior Policy Adviser for the NFU West Midlands, with responsibility to the arable and horticulture sectors.
BEMB (R&E) Award
Helen Houghton
Coles Cottage, 7 Pluma Park Lane, Paulerspury, Towcester, Northants, NN12 7NN
Tel. 01327 811219 Mob. 07917 507018 Email. helen.houghton@merial.com
Study: 'Disease prevention in chicken embryo and chicks'
Veterinary surgeon.
Harold Cowburn Award
Scott Kirby
Little Ancellor, Edgmond, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NA
Tel. 01952 812038 Wk Tel. 01952 815465 Mob. 07961 020017 Email. skirby@harper-adams.ac.uk
Study: 'Search for green opportunities'
Farm manager at Harper Adams University College responsible for the farm's strategic development and the dissemenation of information.
Award sponsor to be confirmed
Arwyn Owen
Hafod y Llan, Nantgwynant, Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 4NL
Tel. 01766 890825 Wk Tel. 01766 890473 Mob. 07824 597829 Email. arwyn.owen@nationaltrust.org.uk
Study: 'Future prospects for sheep industry'
Farm manager for the National Trust in Snowdonia National Park.
Young Nuffield Award
Joanna (Jo) Paterson
7 Railway Cottages, Aspenden Road, Buntingford, Herts, SG9 9JB
Mob. 07974 659255 Email. jo.franklin@farming.co.uk
Study: 'Alternatives to inorganic fertiliser'
Farmer/agronomist looking after 12,000 acres of combinable crops, including potatoes and sugar beet.
Award sponsor to be confirmed
James Peck
Scotland Farm, Dry Drayton, Cambridge, CB23 8AU
Tel. 01954 212275 Wk Tel. 01954 210211 Mob. 07976 939596 Email. james@pxfarms.com
Study: 'Arable farming - where next?'
Managing director of arable contracting business, including grain storage and haulage operations.
Nuffield Trust Award
Timothy (Tim) Powell
Upper Hollicott Farm, The Down, Ludlow Road, Bridgnorth, Shrops, WV16 6UA
Tel. 01746 789231 Mob. 07749 701108 Email. harpswoodfarm@btinternet.com
Study: 'Grain beef production and the environment'
Partner in family farming business.
Anne & Alan Beckett Award
Andrew Scarlett
Stripside of Longleys, Meigle, Perthshire, PH12 8QX
Tel. 01828 640388 Wk. 01828 640821 Mob. 07720 716391 Email. scarlettsscot@aol.com
Study: 'Halting the decline of the honey bee'
Commercial beekeeper and honey packer.
Jill Willows Award
Caroline Stocks
Farmers Weekly, Quadrant House, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5AS
Tel. 0208 652 4905 Mob. 07792 726487 Email. carolinestocks@rbi.co.uk
Study: 'Communication with farmers'
Deputy News Editor of the Farmers Weekly magazine.
BPEX / Merial Award
Helen Thoday
12 Fairfield, Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, SN8 3PN
Mob. 07973 701202 Email. helen.thoday@bpex.org.uk
Study: 'The UK Pig Industry in 2020?'
Knowledge Transfer Manager for BPEX in the South West.
Nuffield Trust Award
Adam West
Brick-on-Edge Cottage, Aylton, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2RQ
Tel. 01531 670283 Wk Tel. 0300 0603936 Mob. 07795 427525 Email. adam.west@naturalengland.org.uk
Study: 'Championing British agriculture'
Land Management and Conservation Adviser for Natural England.
Trehane Trust Award
Rhys Williams
Home Fam, Cefn Amwich, Tudweliog, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 8AX
Tel. 01758 770201 Mob. 07789 865958 Email. rhyswilliams123@hotmail.com
Study: 'Dairy farm equity'
Equity partner, part-owner and manager of 1,050 spring calving cows on THE Lleyn Peninsula. Member of four dairy farm discussion groups.
Notes to Editor:
- Founded in 1943, the Nuffield name and emblem (a bull riding a bicycle) both derive from the original benefactor, the late Lord Nuffield (William Morris). The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust was subsequently established in 1947 and is dedicated to developing leadership in farming and the rural industries. The Trust is registered as a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, following its incorporation in July 2003.
- The UK Trust forms part of a much wider Nuffield organisation operating in Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland and Zimbabwe, where there are similar Nuffield groups sharing the same aims and objectives. Since its establishment, the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust has offered over 600 opportunities at home and more than 1000 worldwide for individuals with vision and energy to develop themselves and make a difference to agriculture and land-based industries.
- Funded by the agriculture and food industries, charities and trusts with agricultural objectives, as well as past Scholars themselves, the UK Trust presents around 20 new Awards each year to enthusiastic individuals who are aged between 22 and 45 years old, and who fulfil the criteria laid down by the Trust. Each Scholar will be provided with travel and subsistence costs for a period of eight weeks in return for a written paper and the presentation of study findings at an annual Winter Conference.
- Nuffield Scholars are characterised by a rich diversity of backgrounds, trades and professions. They vary from farmers, growers and foresters to business managers, to whom Nuffield offers the chance to step off the treadmill and look at their enterprises from a completely new perspective. They also include employees to fully employed professionals for whom there would otherwise be little prospect of finding the time and the funding needed to pursue a subject of genuine interest.
- Recent notable Nuffield reports have included 'Tender, tasty beef - every time', 'The profitable use of anaerobic digestion on UK farms', 'Agriculture in the school curriculum', 'Facilitating rural development', 'Best practice in farm shop retailing', 'Energy crops and the market for biomass', 'The opportunities that GM and other biotechnologies offer to both consumers and farmers' and 'A farm labour force of the future'. Many Nuffield Scholars have subsequently gone on to positively transform their industry sector, with outstanding examples shaping the development of the egg and broiler industries, crop irrigation, alternative energy sources and on-farm education.
Further information from:
JOHN STONES, Director, Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust
Tel. 01858 555544 Email. nuffielddirector@aol.com www.nuffieldscholar.org
ISSUED BY: JULIE MATE - Tel. 01948 667742, Mob. 07775 847123, Email. julie@ukagriculture.com
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