Harper student awarded placement scholarship at Rattlerow Farms

A Harper Adams student is the latest student to join Rattlerow Farms Ltd after recently being awarded a place on the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme.

Joshua Overend, a BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science student was among the students being awarded a scholarship at the Development Trust Scholarship Presentation in May, where students received a record-breaking £564,000.

Joshua, originally from near Magherafelt, County Londonderry in Northern Ireland said: “I was very happy to be awarded this placement with Rattlerow Farms.

“Having grown up working on our own pig farm and within our family AI business, I am really interested to learn more and excited to gain experience in each part of such a large and professional breeding company.”

To date, Rattlerow Farms have hired five students, each on a year-long placement from Harper Adams University.

Joshua said: “One of the main reasons I chose to study at Harper was the opportunity to do a placement year. Learning the facts and data in class is great knowledge to have but wasted unless I can apply what I have learned. Being able to complete a placement year allows me to become experienced and more desirable to employers when I complete my degree.

“Coming from a background in pig breeding and genetics I have a solid knowledge base, so I am eager to understand how different farms operate, how different techniques and new technology is applied and how successful they are.”

As part of the programme, students must complete a project that provides a commercial value to the business.

You can read more about the Pig Industry Scholarship programme in this piece, published by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Speaking about his time at Harper so far, Joshua added: “Studying at Harper has been a great experience for me – the classes and assignments are easily linked to my interests in agriculture and have helped to expand my knowledge. Campus life is great, I have made many new friends participating in clubs like Harper Ireland and the rugby club which lead to a great social life.

“I really appreciate this opportunity with Rattlerow Farms, and as I commence my placement year, I am positive that I will learn a great deal and hope that I will become a real asset to their workforce as well.

“Living and studying independently in England has been a great experience to date, and now I’m looking forward to working full-time in different parts of the country.”