Megan Edwards, Technical Graduate at Newent, has been named Agricultural Student of the Year 2020 at the British Farming Awards.
The British Farming Awards, which this year was broadcast online due to the coronavirus pandemic, was hosted by Vernon Kay. Despite the change in format, it still showcased the fantastic innovation and achievements of British farmers however, from across the agricultural industry. Organised by AgriBriefing, parent company of Farmers Guardian, Dairy Farmer and Arable Farming, the 16 awards welcomed entries from across farming’s core sectors including beef, arable, machinery, dairy, agricultural students and family-run businesses.
Megan originally joined us as an agricultural placement student with Harper Adams University, and has since progressed to a permanent colleague on our graduate training scheme. Coming from a non-farming background she’s learned quickly and gained broad experience of agriculture and farming. Previous placement roles included stockmanship and showmanship duties, relief milking, lambing, calf rearing and progressing into a supervisory role on a farm diversification producing biodegradable flower confetti. Although most of her experience was spent with livestock, she quickly developed a passion for the poultry industry, believing that with a growing population and poultry meat being one of the most affordable and accessible proteins, it held an unrivalled place in the wider British agricultural sector.
Megan commented, “To hear the news I had won was unbelievable; I feel so overwhelmed but so happy. Coming from a non-farming background I feel humbled to receive such a prestigious award and it means a lot to be recognised for the hard work I have put in. There are so many agricultural students coming into the industry with fresh ideas and a willingness to try and make a difference. I am excited to have started my graduate scheme with Avara and see the opportunities that this will bring.”
The British Farming Awards judges stated, “Megan is an exemplary Agricultural Student of the Year with a huge passion for the agricultural industry. Coming from a non-farming background, she has created a plethora of opportunities which she has seized with admirable energy, self-motivation and enthusiasm. Megan demonstrates a clarity of thinking using a whole variety of platforms and which has seen her elevate her profile both inside and outside of agricultural student life. Definitely, one to watch out for in the future.”