There is a well known saying, 'no pain, no gain' and that will be ringing true in the minds of Milk Link’s 1,600 producers, who are on the brink of reaping just reward for 12 years of loyalty and investment.Shortlisted for Agricultural Student of the Year - 2011-2012
AGStudent 2011-12 shortlist: James Miller
- Age: 21
- College: Royal Agricultural College
- Course: BSc in Agriculture
An all-round multi-tasker might be the best way to describe James Miller. At the home farm in Okehampton, Devon, he plays a key role in helping the family’s to become fully self-sufficient.
When he isn’t planting and harvesting a huge array of fruit and vegetables, he is managing their small flock of sheep, pigs and goats and taking to the 5.6 hectares (14 acres) of woodland, which he regularly fells, thins, clears and chops to provide fuel for the family’s smallholding.
In his gap year, he undertook the role of site labourer for the conversion of a derelict barn to a four bedroom country home - and lost four stone through his efforts.
In his spare time, he undertakes land maintenance for a local family, while also helping set up clay shooting parties. So far at college, he has passed Lantra’s tractor and handling qualification and hopes to obtain a complete the telescopic handler rough terrain qualification to add to his list.
With a wish to travel to any of the places offered in the competition, James is keen to learn more about farming methods used in other countries.
Food challenge
“There is a huge pressure on the agricultural sector to meet the demand for food, and this pressure is put on to young farmers as we have to try and meet it,” says James.
“The size of farm enterprises in many countries dwarf any in the UK and it is important to learn how these are managed and run.”
Looking to the future, James eventually wants to farm commercially and continue implementing high welfare standards that he is learning from as his family continue developing their holding.
“Experience and education is key to running a successful agricultural enterprise and I would like to pass my experience on to others in the years to come.”
“I want to meet new farmers and not be afraid to ask for the help of others in my future career.
Click here to launch the voting form
Don’t miss your chance, voting closes March 2, 2012.
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Readers' comments (11)
Emma Teasdale | 17 February 2012 11:41 pm
Well done James, we are all very proud of you getting this far! x
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Anonymous | 18 February 2012 0:30 am
good luck
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Anonymous | 18 February 2012 9:26 pm
Well done James... I hope people vote for you! All your hard work is starting to pay off!
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Anonymous | 21 February 2012 12:04 pm
Although i have known James for a small amount of time... he has always been a true gentleman and good friend. Hardworking, committed, trustworthy and fun to be with. His hard work is starting to pay off and i wish him the best of luck in this competition and his future career.
He deserves to be in the final seven alongside other inspiring candidates but in my opinion deserves to win.. x
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Anonymous | 22 February 2012 6:35 pm
James is one of the most genuine people I know, I'm so proud he has got this far. His determined attitude and hard work has paid off and his passion for high animal/livestock welfare standards is evident in both his studies and at home. Good luck James! You deserve to win! xx
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Anonymous | 22 February 2012 6:43 pm
As one of James' close friends I know how much it would mean to him to win. I believe he will be a valuable asset to the agricultural industry in years to come!
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Anonymous25 February 2012 6:19 pm
Well done buddy.......
lots of love
A.x
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Anonymous | 28 February 2012 4:33 pm
Go on James, it'll be good training for tough mudder!
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J.Chisholm | 29 February 2012 12:33 pm
Representing Hatherliegh and Devon, well done buddy, great candidate along with the others!
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gizzy | 9 March 2012 10:32 am
So proud of you for getting into the final!! well done!! xxxxx
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