Two Somerset-based students Poppy Cook and Eloise Hickey have been awarded Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries to support their studies.
University Centre of Somerset student Poppy was awarded a £750 Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Higher Education Bursary, while Eloise secured a £500 bursary for students in Further Education.
Currently studying a Level 5 course in Agricultural Business Management, Poppy is also an active member of Young Farmers, Devon Women in Dairy and Holstein Young Breeders. She believes in the role of technology in the future of farming and wants to support the diversification of her family farm.
“I want to be a role model for young farmers and show that with the right skills and a bit of creativity, it is possible to contribute positively to the future of agriculture. I want to inspire many other young individuals to consider a career in farming as there are so many opportunities in this industry if you get out there.”
Eloise is studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture at the Cannington Campus and has always wanted to be a farmer, despite not coming from a farming background: “I approached a local dairy farmer for work experience. After just one session milking the cows and feeding the calves, I knew I had made the right choice.”
As well as continuing to work on this farm, Eloise has also gained experience in other sectors and would like to use the bursary to expand her skills further: “I’d like to use the funds to contribute to telehandler and AI courses, allowing me to operate more farm machinery safely and improve my employability in the industry.”
Attracting a record level of entries this year, Cornish Mutual’s Young Farmer Bursaries offer funding to support agricultural students studying in the South West.
The bursaries are a fantastic opportunity for our students to be supported in the early stages of their career. Over the last few years, we have seen bursary recipients fund additional training and take up travel opportunities to get their foot into the industry.
Tom Cunningham
Deputy Head of Agriculture & Environmental Science
Bursary applicants submit a written, photo or video essay, with entries judged by a panel including Cornish Mutual Chief Executive Officer Peter Beaumont:
“Supporting the next generation of farmers is crucial to the future of agriculture in the South West and our bursaries form just part of this support. Both Poppy and Eloise have already taken steps to build a career in farming and we hope the bursary will unlock further opportunities for them.”
The Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries are part of the Future Farming Programme, which supports the future of agriculture in the region. To find out more, visit: https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/cmfuturefarming/young-farmer-bursaries/