Mercer Scholarships for agriculture students

Posted 1 March 2014

Two agriculture students have received Mercer Scholarships at Harper Adams University.  

Second year student Rosie McGowan, 19, from Hexham, said: I feel very privileged to have been selected for this scholarship and would like to thank Mr Mercer for his generosity. I look forward to using the funds to support my academic studies as I move through this fantastic course.”

Young farmer Rosie, a member of Carbridge Riding Club, would ultimately like to secure a tenancy to allow her to run her own farm. 

The sponsor of Rosie’s scholarship, Roger Mercer, Managing Director of Mercer Farming Ltd and chairman of the Harper Adams University Board of Governors, said: “The future of British agriculture is the young people that are in it and what better way of helping them than by ensuring that they get a good education. I can think of no other investment that has potentially a greater payback!”

Oliver Taylor, 20, from Thirsk, is the second 2014 Mercer Scholar.

The former Thirsk School and Sixth Form College pupil said: “I feel very honoured to receive the Mercer scholarship. It is helping me to achieve new skills, such as trailer training, and to set up my own Texel sheep flock. 

“My ambition is to continue to gain new skills which will help with my career and to continue developing my flock to increase its popularity and the ability to produce top-quality breeding stock,” added Oliver, who recently received the gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.