The John Innes Foundation (JIF) is proud to announce that Daisy Readman, a first-year Agriculture with Crop Production Science student at Harper Adams University, has been awarded the 2024 JIF Agricultural Bursary. This prestigious bursary supports aspiring agricultural professionals from non-farming backgrounds who demonstrate exceptional passion, commitment, and potential to advance the industry.
Daisy, 19, from Shropshire, was selected from a competitive field of candidates:
“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, developed essential machinery skills, and gained an understanding of crop husbandry as well as 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.
As someone who is not from a farming background, I am extremely grateful to have been awarded the John Innes Foundation Bursary. 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 and 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 while providing the opportunity to work closely with Keith Norman, farming consultant and former director at Velcourt UK. The scheme also offers work experience opportunities during university breaks, with placements at organisations including NIAB, Hutchinsons, and National Trust Farms.
Daisy faced tough competition to win the JIF Bursary. The interview panel was similarly impressed with fellow Harper Adams student Archie Harrison. Although the financial bursary could only be awarded to one candidate, interviewers decided to offer Archie the same level of mentorship from Keith Norman.
Archie, 18, from 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 Norman, who is also a trustee 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 administered and supported by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA). Mark Nicholas, Managing Director of the RNAA, 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.”
To learn more about the JIF Agricultural Bursary and its impact, you can read additional coverage in: