Initially struggling with her degree at Harper Adams, with hard work and determination Kerri achieved exam and assignment results above 90% and was awarded a combined placement with AHDB and Bedfordia within the pig Industry.
‘In my first assignment, I received a low mark and was distraught, but I sought help from my lecturers and academic support and have been flying ever since”, says BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science student Kerri, who adds that, “I put everything into my degree, because I started my studies at 21, I think it means more to me to do well as I had to complete a Level 2 and Level 3 Extended Diploma before coming to Harper. A consequence of being too interested in milking and calving cows than studying for my GCSE’s!’
‘However, my educational scenic route has provided me with fantastic opportunities to gain experience working on dairy herds up to 1500, learning how to make cheese and ice-cream through farm diversification and looking after a herd in France to being a quality assurance auditor in a poultry factory. Not forgetting my travels that have taken me across Europe, the Americas and Australia… but I can’t quite put my finger on whether Guatemala or Panama was my favourite!’
Starting her placement with Bedfordia in 2021, Kerri spent time working at the breeding and finishing farms in Bedfordshire. Kerri’s placement with Bedfordia realised her ambition to work in the pig industry. She said: ‘I was very excited to be completing my placement year with AHDB and Bedfordia. I gained experience in practical and technical aspects of the pig industry, carrying out trials on pig health, welfare and nutrition: I built up protocols, doing the necessary research and writing up literature reviews.’
Outside of her studies, Kerri is an active member of the universities’ student body. “This year I set up the British Society of Animal Science Harper ambassador team. We worked alongside Deputy Vice Chancellor Michael Lee to increase BSAS members within Harper undergrads to help them gain global contacts and receive support from leading industry professionals or renowned researchers.