ÎÞÂ붯»­

Trio on shortlist for Dairy Student of the Year 2026

Posted 5 January

From left: Ellie McCutcheon, Henry Gibson, and Freddie Myatt

Three ÎÞÂ붯»­ scholars have made the final shortlist for the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ Dairy Student of the Year 2026 competition.

With six places overall nationally, places on the shortlist were hard-won – with final year students Freddie Myatt, Ellie McCutcheon and Henry Gibson selected to take part in the last round of judging, which took place in London in December.

At the finals, competing students from across the UK had to give a 10-minute oral presentation on the question: The UK dairy industry in 10 years’ time - What do you think the scale, challenges and opportunities will be?, before being quizzed by a panel of experts.

They will find out who has been selected as the competition’s winner at the Dairy Tech conference, held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on February 4 next year.

Harper Adams Professor of Animal Science Liam Sinclair said: “Congratulations to Freddie, Ellie and Henry – it is wonderful to have three more students in the final of this renowned competition.

“Their success reflects the commitment of ÎÞÂ붯»­ to preparing our students for a career in industry.”

BSc (Hons) Agriculture student Ellie, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, said: “It is an honour to be shortlisted as an RABDF finalist, something I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to be involved with.

“It was an enjoyable day in London and a privilege to present at the Farmers Club - everybody was very welcoming and the judges encouraging.”

Her coursemate Henry, from Honiton, Devon, added: “It’s a real honour to be shortlisted, especially knowing how many strong students there are in the industry.

“I’m proud to represent Harper Adams and grateful to the lecturers who have supported me so far.

“The final itself was a really enjoyable day. It was challenging but in a positive way, the presentation and questions made think hard about the future of the dairy industry and my own role in it.

“Going to London and spending the day at The Farmers Club was a great experience in itself, and it was also good to meet the other finalists and hear their perspectives - it reminded me how much enthusiasm and talent there is coming through in UK dairy.”

And Freddie, from Staffordshire and studying BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science, said: “I was surprised and incredibly grateful to be shortlisted for the award, as it recognises all the time and effort I have spent working on-farm and at the university.

“I had a great time in London, the judges and everyone from the RABDF were very welcoming and easy to speak to.

“Following the presentations, the other finalists from Harper and I walked around London and had a look at some of the famous landmarks. Overall, it was a lovely trip out, and the weather remained dry and bright all day.”

Talking about what drew her to study at Harper Adams, Ellie said: “The course gives a broad insight into the range of farming industries, along with an opportunity to choose more specific areas of interest in your final year. The placement year, selection of modules and opportunity to make contacts in the industry led me to study this course.

“I have enjoyed my time at Harper both academically and socially. I am fortunate to have met some very inspiring and forward-thinking people and work with tutors who have first-hand industry experience, willing to go a long way to help students.”
Freddie added: “What attracted me to Harper were the practical elements of the dairy on-site, as well as the placement, which allowed me to become immersed in a dairy farm for a full year.

“I have enjoyed my time at Harper over the past few years - it's a very welcoming environment, and the blend of academic and practical learning through lectures, tutorials, and placements has allowed me to gain a well-rounded education across all aspects of UK agriculture.”

And Henry said: “I was drawn to the course because it offers teaching in a wide range of topics that are directly relevant to modern farming, and the dairy industry. I chose Harper Adams for its reputation, industry links and the placement year, which together felt like the best way to prepare for a career in the agricultural industry.

“I’ve really enjoyed studying at Harper, we’re always encouraged to think about how what we learn applies on farm and in the wider industry, the placement year has been invaluable, and there’s a very strong sense of community on campus.

“Being surrounded by like-minded people who are all passionate about agriculture has been a big positive.”