£4,500 scholarship for agronomy enthusiasts

Posted 13 May 2011

A fully paid postgraduate degree at Harper Adams and fantastic career prospects are just some of the opportunities available for students wishing to take their passion for crops and agronomy to the next level.

The industry needs the next generation of enthusiastic and committed agronomists to fill the rapidly growing skills gap. By working together to provide a scholarship, Harper Adams and Masstock Arable are hoping to address this.

The scholarship, worth £4,500, is not only an opportunity for the successful applicant to study without the burden of course fees, but also offers practical work experience and the possibility of a structured career path with Masstock.  

It provides an insight and experience in all aspects of modern arable supply business - agronomy, product management, environmental stewardship, advanced arable research and innovative information transfer via Masstock’s ‘SMART Farm’ network.

Current scholar, Graham Poole from Graignamanagh, Ireland, has found the experience rewarding. The 23-year-old, said: “Both the financial support and the continual help I have received since winning the scholarship has been a great help to my success within the course and has opened many future career opportunities for me within the industry.

“Having contact with a well-known company such as Masstock, within the arable sector, has been very interesting and helpful.”

Should Graham wish to pursue a career with Masstock, he could choose from opportunities in agronomy, arable research, arable product management or farm business consultancy.

Masstock Business Manager, Nigel Francis, said: “Graham has proved to be somebody who has great enthusiasm for the arable side of agriculture. Although there is no expectation he will join us once he graduates, Masstock is always looking out for young people who are hungry for success and wish to forge careers in agriculture.

“As a member of Origin Enterprises plc, Masstock is committed to primary food production in the UK and through a number of international projects.

"If you believe that the hugely important business of crop production and agronomy is a role you'd be interested in, please consider the Masstock Scholarship - it could lead to an enjoyable, rewarding and life-long career.”

This competitive scholarship is available to UK residents considering the postgraduate Crop Protection and Agronomy course at the University College in Shropshire. More information can be found at http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/postgraduate/schol.cfm?ID=55