Featured student of the month - Emma Kelcher

Posted 1 April 2011

A monthly special featuring a current student from Harper Adams.

In a few months’ time once she has finished her dissertation, final year Harper Adams student, Emma Kelcher, will be boarding a plane to the other side of the world to begin a paid work placement in New Zealand.

21-year-old Emma from Longhorsley, Morpeth, is studying BSc (Hons) Food Quality and Business Management at the University College in Shropshire, and is currently completing her dissertation investigating how the Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) affects potatoes grown for processing.

Her placement in New Zealand is thanks to the C Alma Baker Trust, which through the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), provides arrangements for the trip and sponsors the cost of the flight and insurance.

Emma, who is also busy organising the final year dinner for all fourth year students, said: “I filled in an application form through the NFYFC Discovery Programme, was interviewed, and then told that I had been awarded a placement.

“I’ll be working on a beef and sheep farm near Limestone Downs on the North Island with hope of exploring the farming techniques over there.

“It will be good to travel and experience different cultures, as well as meet other young farmers from across the world.”

Emma is also a warden and course representative at Harper Adams and has already gained a place on the competitive Management Development Services (MDS) Food and Fresh Produce training programme ready for when she returns.

She added: “I chose harper due to its small, friendly and rural environment, its excellence for teaching and also the Harper Spirit. 

“I have enjoyed myself throughout the four years and will miss it, it’s been a bumpy ride, but one last leg to go.

“I’m looking forward to flying to New Zealand and becoming part of MDS group.”