Clyde Higgs Undergraduate and the Mercer Farming Open Scholar: Sarah-Jane Barton

Sarah-Jane Barton, 23, has been awarded both the Clyde Higgs Undergraduate and Mercer Farming Open Scholarship. Sarah, BSc Agriculture, hails from Oswestry in Shropshire and applied for the scholarship in order to open up new areas of learning in global agriculture.

On being awarded the scholarships Sarah said: "After being awarded the two scholarships I found that it was more important to use these funds purely for a study trip to Wisconsin, North America and Brazil to study genetics, breed development and dairy production. I am very lucky to have the help and support of colleagues at Genus ABS.

I originally applied for the Clyde Higgs scholarship in my second year, however, was unsuccessful, so I worked really hard to increase my knowledge in the sector over placement year and I am very proud to have come back, tried again and been successful. I hope to be inspired by my travels and work to develop innovative farming practices that could be used in the UK. I plan to deliver several presentations to all my awarding bodies on the return from my trip, including The Elizabeth Creek Charitable Trust and Mercer Farming."

Going above and beyond in her studies comes naturally to Sarah who has said she is motivated by her vision of a future career that she really loves. She said: "I want to really have an impact on agriculture, whether it’s from ground breaking research, development of an ‘out of this world’ product or by sharing and developing knowledge throughout the industry. I have a passion for the dairy industry and want to be somebody who can help with the progression of this exciting business. I am driven by results and the ability to do things well, inspired by my Grandfather who even up to his twilight years had to do everything ‘the best’ even if it was growing potatoes in the back garden."