Will Holmes from Frampton near Dorchester, fought off strong competition to win the annual Dairy Crest/NFU scholarship fund award for 2014.

Will’s passion for the dairy sector and his enthusiasm for looking at opportunities for the dairy industry to lead sustainable intensification, to increase self-sufficiency, and to re-establish the UK in the world market, resonated with this unique location.

Will has recently returned from Australia and New Zealand, and is due to start an agriculture degree at Reading University. He is clearly looking forward to furthering his knowledge of the science in dairy farming.

Delighted to receive the £1,500 prize, Will explained that the money will be very useful to his career: “I will be able to obtain foot trimming qualifications and also hope to attend a DIY artificial insemination course.”

Fund chairman Steve Harris, of Dairy Crest, said:

“Will is very focused and determined to make his mark in the industry. We are pleased to be able to support such an enthusiastic person who has such strong belief in our industry.”

Will was one of four finalists, from 22 successful applicants, that entered this year’s scholarship competition. The fund has distributed over £15,000 this year. The other finalists who were also interviewed by the panel and received cash awards were:

Hayden Simpson from Weare Giffard, Bideford, Devon studying at Harper Adams for his degree in Agriculture, sponsored by ABAgri.
William Slade from Chawleigh, Devon, who is in his fourth year at Cambridge University studying Veterinary Medicine, sponsored by Wyke Farms.

Ryan Renfree from Quethiock, Liskeard, Cornwall studying at Duchy College for his Foundation Degree in Agriculture, and is sponsored by the NFU.