Cargill Meats scholars: Bethany Tomlinson and Zoe Cutmore

Posted 23 February 2016

Two students at Harper Adams University have been selected as scholars sponsored by Cargill Meats Europe. 

Under the British Poultry Council scholarships scheme, Bethany Tomlinson and Zoe Cutmore will each received £4,500 this year and undertake paid, one-year work placements with Cargill, starting this summer. 

Bethany Tomlinson, a second year BSc (Hons) Agri-Food Marketing with Business Studies student, said: “The poultry industry is a fast moving constantly adapting, exciting industry to work in. The placement, working within the marketing team, will set me up for my future and where best I am suited to work within it.

“I am very grateful and thrilled that I have been chosen for this award out of so many other worthy applicants. It gives me more confidence in myself and my abilities. 

Bethany, 21, is from Ashill, Somerset.

Zoe, 19, is from Harpenden, Hertfordshire and is a second year BSc (Hons) Agriculture and Animal Science student. 

She said: “ My scholarship includes a placement year based on the animal production side of Cargill, which involves getting experience through the supply chain, from the beginning of the production chain in the hatchery to the marketing department and packaging and processing. 

“With very little experience in the poultry industry, I looked into a poultry placement in the hope of experiencing how and why it is so rapidly developing and advancing. Since Cargill is a leading supplier, I believe it will be interesting and beneficial to experience its supply chain and thus gain the knowledge and understanding that the company will provide. 

“My interest in poultry originated from growing up with a family small-holding that included a small number of chickens. I collected and sold the chicken eggs to gain some pocket money as well as to raise money for charity.

“As part of my Extended Diploma I also carried out an investigative project focused on chickens. For this I used my own chickens for data collection, analysis, synthesis and reporting. 

“I am truly honoured to have been offered the award, and the opportunity to experience working with Cargill. I am very excited about my placement with Cargill, which adds to my motivation to do well in my second year to then progress into my third year.

“Longer term, I hope to make a contribution to the agricultural sector, which I am passionate about.”