Megan Watkins awarded Future Agricultural Leaders Fellowship

While our students achieve many great things through their studies, we also love to celebrate their extracurricular successes too! Megan Watkins, a second year BSc (Hons) Agri-Business student has much to celebrate as she has been selected as a Future Agricultural Leaders fellow through NFYFC.

So how did this opportunity arise? Megan explained: “Away from university I am an active member of Craswall Young Farmers Club.

“NFYFC has already provided me with fantastic opportunities such as the chance to act as Chairman of the National Youth Forum from 2018 to 2019.

“When I saw NFYFC advertising the Future Agricultural Leaders Fellowship I knew I had to apply!”

The fellowship gives winners the opportunity to learn about new technologies and production practices and make connections with young US agricultural leaders during an intensive 18-day fellowship in the United States. Coupled with Megan’s current studies, the opportunity would give her insight into the international side of agricultural business.

Megan was over the moon to be selected. She commented: “The 18-day trip to the United States will allow me to observe US agricultural production practices first hand; meet with US regulatory officials and trade groups such as the US Department of Agriculture; and develop leadership skills through a programme with the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.

“The Fellowship is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build knowledge, meet industry experts and experience differing agricultural production practices. This will undoubtedly provide invaluable knowledge and insight to support my final year of study and fuel my future career.”

While the trip has been deferred in light of Covid-19, Megan is looking forward to her US trip later in the year.

Currently working at Waitrose & Partners as part of the Agriculture Team for her placement year, Megan is continuing to help support British farming in a time where food security is even more vital than ever. The placement year was one of the many reasons Megan knew Harper Adams was the university for her, saying: “I feel Harper provides unique links with industry and an underlying focus on graduate employability, a key aspect which made it so appealing.

“I grew up on our family beef and sheep farm in Herefordshire, where we breed pedigree Texel sheep and Limousin cattle. It has led to a real passion for British food and farming. It felt a natural decision therefore to study an agricultural related degree.”

With her clear interest in agriculture, the business element of her studies has been an eye opening experience for Megan. She explained: “The course has certainly shaped the individual I am today and has opened my eyes to different agricultural sectors, approaches and career opportunities.”

Megan’s agricultural supply chain experience with ABP and Waitrose & Partners has highlighted to her a particular interest in livestock supply chains. As a result, she has been able to learn more about the subject through her Agri-food Marketing and Animal Production Systems modules which she has particularly enjoyed.

Megan commented: “I love the variety of the Agri-Business course; it covers such a range of aspects within the agricultural sector. The knowledge, industry contacts and experience that you will gain will open up multiple opportunities and you will have lots of fun along the way! I have gained confidence, knowledge and friendship both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Megan has worked hard during her time at Harper to build on the business skills a degree that matters is teaching her. To discover how you could achieve success too, join us at our Virtual Open Day on June 17! With videos, an interactive campus tour, course talks, group chats with tutors and fellow future students and much more, we can’t wait to ‘see’ you there. Find out more below.

Virtual Open Day