AGStudent 2011-12 shortlist: Laura Burnett

• Age: 19
• University: Newcastle
• Course: BSc (Hons) Agriculture

As a new entrant into agriculture Laura Burnett has, at times, found it challenging. But, in her opinion, it has made her more determined to follow a career in agriculture.

Each summer she has found work in different areas of agriculture to widen her experience and develop contacts. This summer she worked at a grain merchant operating the main loader.

“Not having an address book stuffed with farming contacts means I have had to throw myself into many unknown situations,” says Laura, from Laurencekirk, Aberdeen.

“Forging strong relationships between the current generation of farmers and the innovative future generation will go a long way in developing a sustainable future for agriculture. This would see costs and risk spread, and secure a future for those who would have little chance without huge investment behind them.”

Specialising

When she leaves university, Laura wants to specialise in animal production science and wants to travel to New Zealand to experience large-scale agriculture and learn more about breeding, physiology and nutrition.

“Although funding is being channelled into the research, it’s innovative application of the theory that’s going to drive farming to become more efficient.

“The pressure to get scientific knowledge and new technologies directly to farmers to use in practice is essential. New graduates have this knowledge to offer to the industry, along with fresh new ideas and a willingness to accept new practices and concepts.”

Laura travelled to Fiji where, spending three months teaching and working on regeneration projects. To fund her trip, she completed the Potato Disease recognition course, worked in potato fields, washed chicken sheds and cleaned out pig pens.

When she returned, she found a job in Powys on a chicken farm and managed 7,000 chickens, before helping lamb 3,000 ewes.

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Don’t miss your chance, voting closes March 2, 2012.

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