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Harper duo are British Farming Awards Agricultural Student of the Year finalists

Posted 15 August 2023

Students from Harper Adams have taken half of the Agricultural Student of the Year finalist places in the 2023 British Farming Awards shortlist.

The shortlist sees students Isla Soutter and Stephen Evans both in the running for the awards, with their places confirmed as finalists were unveiled on Friday. The shortlisting is the second of the year for Isla, who is also in the running for the Farmers Weekly Agricultural Student of the Year 2023 award.

 BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science student Isla, who is originally from Cumbria but who now lives in Leicestershire, said: “I am very honoured to have been shortlisted for the Farmers Guardian’s British Farming Awards 2023.

“It is brilliant to have been recognised for my involvement within agriculture, and being shortlisted has given me the determination to go for every opportunity that swings my way to exceed above and beyond my limits.”

And BSc (Hons) Agriculture student Stephen, from Fintona, Co. Tyrone, added: ““To be shortlisted for the British Farming Awards is a great pleasure.

“The awards are a great opportunity to showcase the many great achievements the industry has achieved to date.

“Being shortlisted has given me the encouragement to demonstrate that like myself, not all applicants in the industry need to come from a farming background to succeed.

“Having the support from the Agriculture team at 91Pro over the last four years has provided me with the opportunity to excel as a newcomer in the industry.

“Being shortlisted for the Agriculture Student of the Year proves testament to the support and commitment the team at Harper Adams have provided me with.”

Dr Russell Readman, Course Manager for Agriculture at Harper Adams, welcomed the news of the latest shortlisting.

He said: “It is great to see Harper Adams Agriculture students shortlisted again for these awards. Isla and Stephen are both very worthy candidates in terms of their academic achievement, wider contribution to the university and the wider farming community, and they exemplify the quality of Harper Adams Agriculture students.”

The winner of Agricultural Student of the Year 2023 will be announced at the awards, which are set to be held in Birmingham in October.

Farmers Guardian Editor, Olivia Midgley, said: "The awards recognise individuals who are driving their businesses forward with integrity and acumen, against an ever-changing political and economic landscape. Our finalists demonstrate resilience and tenacity to exemplary standards." 

And Sophie Throup, Technical and Sustainability Director, Manufacturing, at Morrisons added: "As long-term supporters of British Farming, we want to thank farmers across the country for the work they continue to do in these challenging times. 

“We are pleased to once again be supporting the British Farming Awards, recognising the effort, care, innovation and skills which British farmers put into making and providing the food we are all proud of. "