Degree supports Archie to bring farming back into the family.

BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science Archie Johnson always wanted to bring agriculture back into the family and decided Harper Adams was the place to make that dream a reality.  

“My grandparents used to farm but sold up and since then I always knew I wanted to bring agriculture back into the family… but I didn’t just want to drive a tractor for someone else; I wanted to learn the science behind the subject and make my own mark,” says Archie, 21.

“I studied Chemistry and Biology at A-Level and I found I had a real interest in science and so the applied science part of the course at Harper really appealed to me.” 

Archie’s enthusiasm for the pig industry was enhanced through his studies at Harper Adams and after winning the Pilgrims Pride Scholarship, now he is taking his interest even further through his placement year job at Pilgrims, one of the UK’s leading pork producers where he is undertaking several self-led projects.  

“Pilgrims set little projects for me to do alongside normal farm visits. One project I worked on in conjunction with ADAS was to collect performance data for our farms and set up meetings between them and our farmers to discuss a potential future subsidy available to support high welfare pig farming.” 

Archie hopes to get a graduate job in the pig sector and has plans to open his own breeding unit, but he still has one year left of his course before that can happen.  

“I would definitely recommend my course. Not only do you get the in-depth science behind stock, we also get detailed insights into the business aspects of farming as well as the practical hands-on training.” 

The first team rugby player adds: "the course’s assignments - especially in the second year - are more tailored to your personal interests, so if you want to focus on a particular animal or different aspect of farming you can.”

“The agriculture team are very engaging and easy to speak to when you need help and the resources at Harper are brilliant…the library will become your best friend in terms of writing assignments that’s for sure” says the North Yorkshire-man.  

Outside of his academic work, Archie says the university's rural surroundings, the number of like-minded people he has met, and the sporting opportunities have made his university experience.