Recognition for agriculture student at Plumpton College

Charlotte Torrance, a Foundation Science (FdSc) agriculture student at Plumpton College, East Sussex, has been awarded the Royal Association of British Dairy Famers (RABDF) Farm Health Management Award.

Gregory Steele, a student from the Cambridge University Veterinary School, also received the award. They each received a certificate and £500 cash prize, presented at a livestock event held the Birmingham NEC.

Two short-listed finalists, Victoria Kirby from Myerscough College and David McFarland from Glasgow Vet School, were presented with certificates.

Dairy consultant and award chairman, John Sumner, said: “We found it difficult to separate the top two in each group, but Charlotte and Gregory just had the edge. Charlotte demonstrated a good use of research and produced a well structured essay whilst Gregory’s essay was very relevant, to the point and well presented.”

The award, which is in its sixth year of running, is open to agriculture and veterinary students. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of adopting a proactive approach to farm health management.

Entry required a 1,500 word essay on proactive farm health management – a key element of the animal health and welfare strategy for Great Britain – and the benefits it brings to animal health and welfare and farm business profitability.

John Reynolds of Volac – the award sponsor – said: “We are confident that this awareness will be of huge benefit in their future careers.”

Image courtesy of Plumpton College