Pig Industry with Rattlerow Farms scholar: Erin Fowler

Erin Fowler, second year BSc Agriculture with Animal Science student and recipient of the Pig Industry Scholarship with Rattlerow Farms.

“This scholarship and placement means I am going to have the opportunity to further develop my understanding of the importance of genetics in the future of the UK pig industry, whilst building on and broadening the current experience I have already gained at home. It will also enable me to understand the importance of supporting and allied industries in UK pig production, and allow me to experience working in an environment that I wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to”, says Erin, 19.

“Undertaking my placement year with Rattlerow Farms will provide me with a good standing for a future working within the pig sector, and will also help me start making important contacts throughout the industry. I also hope to have the chance to develop myself as well, improving my confidence and increasing my technical knowledge, further improving future prospects.”

For Erin, from Ellenthorpe in North Yorkshire, the pig industry has played a prominent part in her life to date. “For a number of years, I, along with other members of my family, have worked for J C Lister Farms, on a unit taking pigs from farrowing to 12 weeks weaned. Through this, I have developed a strong interest in pig production.

“Undertaking this course has allowed me to keep learning in this area, whilst also allowing me to gain knowledge in areas of agriculture that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do so, such as business and biotechnology. After university, I hope to continue working within the pig industry, focusing on performance improvement either on individual farms or throughout the whole industry.”