19-year-old farming enthusiast awarded the John Innes Foundation Bursary 

19-year-old Daisy Readman is in her first year studying Agriculture with Crop Production Science at Harper Adams University in Newport and was selected for the John Innes Foundation Bursary. 

The annual bursary started in 2017 is aimed at supporting young people from non-farming backgrounds with financial assistance.   

Daisy, from Whixhall in Shropshire, said: “I do not come from a home farm, but living in a rural area, I developed an interest in agriculture at a young age. Having developed my own small flock of Llyn sheep, I initially envisioned myself working with livestock.  

“However, since undertaking work experience with Spunhill, a local agronomy company, my interests have shifted more towards agronomy, particularly the science and technology underpinning crop production.” 

Passion to pursue a career in agronomy 

Whilst completing her A-levels, Daisy secured a place at Harper Adams to study the BSc Honours Agriculture with Crop Production Science course, however, due to not being from a farming background, she lacked practical experience in the field.  

She said: “Recognising this, I took the opportunity to apply for seasonal work at UPL, a local agrochemical research and development site.  

“Over the summer I was part of the farm operations team, where I gained valuable hands-on experience and developed essential machinery skills, an understanding of crop husbandry, and also gained an insight into crop trials.  

“This job not only deepened my interest in agriculture, but also confirmed my passion to pursue a career in agronomy. Having started my course at Harper, I have already found the practical experience that I gained in the field invaluable in helping me to set some of the theory taught in lectures into context.” 

Meaningful impact on the industry 

Daisy added that, as someone who is not from a farming background, she is “extremely grateful” to have been awarded the John Innes Foundation Bursary, as it will be invaluable in allowing her to pursue her interest in agriculture.  

“The bursary will provide me with both the financial support, and importantly, the mentoring and contacts to gain the necessary agronomic and practical hands-on experience, which I otherwise might not have had access to.  

“This will enable me to help farmers and growers adapt to the challenges in the future and hopefully have a meaningful impact on the industry,” she continued. 

The bursary will cover three years of Daisy’s course fees, as well as give her the opportunity to work closely with Keith Norman, farming consultant and former director at Velcourt UK. 

The scheme also provides work experience opportunities during university breaks with placements offered at many organisations, including NIAB, Hutchinsons and the National Trust Farms. 

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