Clyde Higgs Undergraduate Scholarship: Catherine Herniman

Catherine Herniman, 20 from Torrington, Devon, is a second year Bsc Agriculture with Animal Science student and recipient of the Clyde Higgs Undergraduate Scholarship.

“Being brought up on the home family run dairy farm, I spent a lot of time outside helping and learning from my Dad. I really love farming, the wider Agricultural Industry and I am proud to be part of the British farming industry.

“Completion of various agricultural employment, work experience and societies cemented my interest to study and work in the industry, leading me to study science at A level and then study at Harper Adams University. The specialised modules which I am currently studying will allow me to develop a deeper understanding of animal health, nutrition and genetics which are the aspects I aspire to specialise in post-graduation. These technical areas directly impacts on our productivity and competitiveness, therefore are important areas for the future of the dairy industry.

“With intentions to work in the fast faced dairy industry I applied to the Clyde Higgs Scholarship as I believed the trusts aims met my future goals appropriately and would benefit me greatly.

“The financial support from the scholarship will allow me to continue to deepen my knowledge in the industry, by attending specialist expert talks such as the Women in Dairy Conference. Additionally, it will allow me to undertake extra voluntary work placements in the holidays to give me more knowledge, skills and contacts to add to our changing industry. I have a particular interest in the dairy genetics industry, I would like to enhance my genetics knowledge which I can apply on the home farm for our future breeding as well as in the workplace.

“The scholarship will help to achieve my ambition post-graduation to have the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and Canada to learn from the progressive farmers overseas who adopt different technical knowledge and trade in different market conditions. I feel having the confidence and opportunity to travel is essential in adding innovation to the industry. I am ambitious and passionate and believe the experience and financial support from the Clyde Higgs scholarship will greatly benefit my future career progression based in the dairy sector.

Catherine highlighted one of her achievements.

“During my placement year I belonged to Whitchurch Young Farmers Club, being a part of it improved my confidence, public speaking and dairy stock judging skills. This was reflected in the annual awards where I was awarded female member of the year.”

“I would like to thank the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust and the Development Trust very much for giving me the opportunity to receive this award. It is an honour and a privilege to continue the Clyde Higgs and Elizabeth Creak objectives and I am excited for the future, where I will endeavour to fulfil their legacy aims.”