Case Studies

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Our Case Studies

Case Studies

26.01.22

Kerri Coffey

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. 



 

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Case Studies

02.03.23

David Scott

Keen to work on a larger farm and to learn more arable farming skills, David was on the lookout for a new role when he saw a Bedfordia Farms post on Facebook and decided to send in his CV on spec.  Timing is everything and it was when Farms were looking for harvest staff and so David  joined the Bedfordia team in June 2022.
‘I’ve really enjoyed working at Bedfordia and have learnt a lot. Everyone is very helpful and will give you a hand if you ask. I’ve enjoyed harvest time the most as it’s great working with such a great team – wheat and bale karting has been great and I’ve enjoyed learning to drill. I’m not so keen on digestate application and slurry karting as the smell seems to get everywhere but it’s just something you have to do on a farm. I’ve enjoyed driving the JD 6250R, which is a great bit of kit.’
Harvest staff have accommodation provided and David has been living in a caravan on-site since he joined. As always a caravan can be too cold and too hot but David has leant a few tricks especially during winter – such as to keep the tap flowing slightly to prevent it from freezing.
When not working, David likes shooting and mountain biking.
He will leave us at the end of harvest this year and at the moment isn’t sure what he will do. He might join his older brother Zac who is currently working in Australia. Whatever he does, we wish him all the best and know he will do well.
 

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