British Farming Awards Agricultural Student of the Year 2025, George Elliott, from Derbyshire
For fourteen years, the British Farming Awards has shone a light on the best in British Farming. During this annual event, Britain's farming industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of its contemporaries.
The 2026 Agricultural Student of the Year finalists are a group of exceptional young farmers. Each of these finalists are successfully progressing their learning and careers inside and outside of university.
Some of our finalists have an agricultural background and others are new to the industry, but all of these students demonstrate impressive self-motivation, initiative, ability and an impressive commitment to agriculture outside of academic life.
Finalists for Agricultural Student of the Year, sponsored by Arable Farming
Betty Battarbee, North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire's Betty Battarbee is combining practical dairy experience, academic achievement and international exposure as she prepares for a career in genetics and reproductive management.
Studying agriculture at Harper Adams University, Betty has gained experience across UK dairy systems alongside a 12-month placement at Hesdon Holsteins in British Columbia, Canada, working with a 170-cow herd.
The experience broadened her understanding of herd management, genetics and technology while developing her confidence working independently. She has also been awarded the George Crawford and Clyde Higgs Scholarships.
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Her final-year dissertation explores intergenerational differences in mental health and help-seeking among UK cattle farmers, reflecting her commitment to supporting the wider farming community.
Despite losing both parents, Betty has remained focused on her studies and industry development. After graduating, she plans to return to Canada before gaining further experience in Australia at Emu Dairies.
Her long-term ambition is to combine hands-on experience with technical expertise, helping farmers use genetics, data and technology to build healthier, more efficient and sustainable dairy herds.
Emma Burgess, Shetland
Shetland farmer Emma Burgess is bringing new knowledge, experience and ambition back to her island community after four years studying agriculture at Harper Adams University
Growing up on her family's 130-cow dairy and 1,000-ewe sheep enterprise, Emma also has experience of running the island's creamery, giving her insight into the entire journey from farm to consumer.
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At 17, she left Shetland to contract lamb in mainland Britain, an experience that opened her eyes to new approaches and inspired her to pursue a career in agriculture.
Since then, Emma has gained experience across UK and international farming systems, including a placement in New Zealand. Alongside her studies, she has been a Harper student ambassador, played rugby and received the CLA Scholarship.
Now back home, Emma is working in partnership with her dad, combining his 40 years of experience with her newly developed knowledge. Her plans include improving herd genetics, staff training, soil health and developing a new creamery product, while creating greater opportunities for young people entering agriculture on Shetland.
Faith Claudia Hepple, Northumberland
Northumberland's Faith Claudia Hepple is proving that agriculture can offer opportunities to people from every background, despite not growing up in the industry herself. Studying for an FdSc in Agriculture at Harper Adams, Faith has embraced every opportunity to develop her skills, from working part-time on the university farm to serving as a Student Life Representative.
She is also chairwoman of the Raising and Giving Committee, which is aiming to raise almost £10,000 for Farming Community Network and Yellow Wellies this year.
One of her proudest achievements was organising the Harper Adams Fight Night in March 2026. Featuring 10 fights, the event raised more than £4,000 in one evening following months of planning and preparation.
Faith has also supported the Equestrian Club as sponsorship coordinator, is an FCN ambassador and member of Country Durham Young Farmers, alongside playing competitive rugby.
After completing her degree, Faith plans to top up to a BSc and pursue a master's specialising in poultry, with ambitions to become a poultry farm manager or lecturer at Harper Adams.
Leah Crabbe, Ceredigion
Ceredigion's Leah Crabbe is passionate about making agriculture more accessible, particularly for young people who do not come from farming backgrounds. Studying for an Integrated Masters in Agriculture at Aberystwyth University, Leah has combined academic achievement with practical industry experience, including agronomy work in the East of England, harvest administration and working on a farm that also operated as a veterinary practice.
She was previously named Best Overall Student at Kingston Maurward College and has received a CLA Scholarship.
As President of the Aberystwyth Agriculture Society, Leah introduced educational trips, hands-on learning opportunities and initiatives to support member wellbeing, including a ladies' 7s rugby team.
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Her leadership earned her Full University Colours, while she also organised the university's Ceres Crop Challenge team, which finished third in 2026. Leah is particularly passionate about improving access to agricultural careers for those without family connections to the industry.
Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a PhD focused on grassland, environmental and agricultural policy, while continuing to champion clearer routes into the sector for the next generation.
Louise Gabrielle Summerson, North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire's Louise Gabrielle Summerson is making the most of every opportunity to broaden her knowledge, experience and contribution to agriculture. Studying Agriculture with Farm Business Management at Newcastle University, Louise grew up on her family's tenanted dairy, beef and sheep farm.
Alongside her degree, she has gained experience across livestock farming, research, horticulture and the laying hen sector, most recently completing a placement with The Lakes Free Range Egg Company through the McDonald's Progressive Young Farmer Programme.
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Moving to Penrith alone for her placement pushed Louise outside her comfort zone, giving her hands-on experience across the egg supply chain while developing a project exploring barriers to continued professional development in agriculture. She has also represented the industry through the Oxford Farming Conference, Fiji's Think Pacific programme and Penrith Young Farmers.
At university, Louise is a Peer Mentor, Student Staff Committee member and Society of Agriculture Ambassador, while previously designing a 70-page degree handbook. Recognised with the Clyde Higgs Scholarship and NCL+ Award, Louise hopes to build a career in farm advisory and knowledge exchange, combining practical experience, international perspectives and a passion for lifelong learning.
