Butchers' and Drovers' Charitable Institution Bursary: Kate Leeming

5 March 2019

Kate Leeming, 22, from Skipton is an Agri-Food Marketing with Business Studies student and a recipient of the Butchers’ and Drovers’ Charitable Institution.

“I come from a dairy farming background and I have always been passionate about food and agriculture. The Agri-Food Marketing with Business studies course at Harper Adams University seemed a perfect fit for my interests and knowledge and I am now in my final year having thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of my course. I am incredibly grateful to the BDCI for offering this bursary to me. I am a final year Harper Adams University student studying BSc Agri-Food Marketing with Business Studies.

Upon receiving the award in 2019, I plan on investing the money in some Hereford cattle, with a view to rearing them, getting them in-calf and selling them prior to calving. Having the opportunity to do this with the bursary money will allow me to gain first hands experience of owning my own cattle and further my understanding of the beef industry. I completed my placement year in industry with Co-op and ABP and I had the opportunity to further my knowledge about the beef supply chain.

I am also hoping to use the scholarship award to travel to the USA and explore the beef production systems there. I would like to thank Butchers’ and Drovers Charitable Institution for allowing me to have this opportunity and I hope that I will be able to offer a scholarship one day following my success in the industry.

Kate talked about her achievements and her future activities, “A highlight for me was my year out in industry spending it with Co-op and ABP; I gained so much from my placement and I was given ample opportunities to further my knowledge in the agricultural industry, network to gain connections and attend conferences. I am now looking forward to continuing my passion for food by joining Morrisons on their manufacturing graduate scheme in September. Following graduation I am joining the UK’s 2^nd largest fresh food manufacturer in September to start my career in the food industry.”