ÎÞÂ붯»­

Harper & Keele Vet School graduate scoops farming award

Posted Today

A graduate from the has been named the winner of a prestigious award at a ceremony in Belfast. 

The Farming Awards, held at the city’s Crowne Plaza, celebrate excellence in agriculture across Northern Ireland. 

Organised by Farming Life and Farm Week, award winners are drawn from right across the industry – and this year’s Young Farmer of the Year award went to HKVS graduate Lewis Gregg. 

He said: “I was delighted - and slightly shocked - to be awarded Young Farmer of the Year at the NI Farming Awards! I found out a few weeks before the awards that I had been nominated, and subsequently shortlisted, and felt honoured to have even made it that far given how many fantastic young people and students there are from Northern Ireland. 

“I am grateful to have been nominated by Basil Bayne of the Harper Adams in Ireland Alumni Association and am thankful to Harper Adams in Ireland both for the nomination and for their support throughout my time at Harper & Keele Veterinary School.” 

Lewis was one of 18 award recipients selected from across Northern Ireland who received trophies at the glittering black-tie ceremony. 

Ruth Rodgers, Editor of Farming Life and Farm Week, said: “The judges were very impressed with Lewis' passion for farm animal veterinary, the wide range of work experience he has achieved, and he also has a very busy life with his extracurricular activities. 

“He spoke very eloquently on the night and is a credit to his family, Harper & Keele, and his practice.” 

Originally hailing from Coleraine, Lewis was among the pioneer cohort of students who were the first to graduate from the Harper & Keele Veterinary School this summer. 

Over the course of their five-year , the students helped to build and shape a community that has grown to include more than 600 students across all years of study. 

Many of the 90 students who graduated in July have already found a role in the industry – including Lewis, who joined an independent farm and equine practice in Herefordshire, working as a farm vet. 

Reflecting on his new role, he said: “So far, no two days have been the same, and my workload tends to be about as mixed as farm vetting gets! The learning curve during the first few months in practice has been the steepest yet, but I am lucky to have a hugely supportive team around me and my time at HKVS has prepared me excellently with the fundamental day one skills needed.” 

Deputy Head of the Harper & Keele Veterinary School, Professor Philip Robinson, added: “Lewis demonstrated dedication and determination throughout his veterinary degree, and I’m so pleased to see this recognised through this prestigious award. He has a great career ahead of him in farm veterinary practice.”