Student driven by sustainability receives scholarship

Posted 23 January 2017

Harper Adams University student Ifan Huws has received a scholarship from Moy Park, in conjunction with the British Poultry Council (BPC), to help him towards his goal of having a management career in the poultry sector.

The second year BSc (Hons) Agriculture and Farm Management student comes from a traditional upland beef and sheep farm near Welshpool, Powys, but has decided to follow a career in the poultry industry, believing it will provide greater financial security and be more sustainable.

The 19 year-old said: "Receiving this scholarship and support from Moy Park and the BPC is one of my biggest achievements so far. I’m very excited to start my placement in June with Moy Park, one of the biggest poultry producers in Europe, kick-starting my future within the agricultural industry knowing that they're supporting me.

“In the future. I'd like to have a management career in the poultry industry producing food sustainably for the growing population.

“The world population continues to grow and the demand for low cost protein also increases. Chicken has one of the best feed conversion rates, is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to produce meat, and is best place to be a leading part of feeding the growing population around the world.

“I’ve taken a huge interest in poultry due to my grandfather and uncle growing broilers. I’ve been hooked by the fast-paced industry they both work in.

“From a young age, I’ve been heavily involved in helping to run the farm but it quickly became apparent to me that running the farm in the same way wouldn’t be a sustainable career for me. So I decided that a career in the food industry will not only give me the financial stability but also broaden my knowledge and experience in a way that could benefit the family business in the long term.

“This led to me coming to Harper to study BSc (Honours) in Agriculture with Farm Business Management. It appeared to be the obvious choice; it has contacts worldwide with leading industry companies.

“It’s at the centre of innovation, new technology and research in agriculture and I hope to benefit from this and learn about these projects, for example the hands-free hectare project. Harper will equip me with the knowledge and qualifications that I will need to make my career in the food industry a resounding success.

“Many journalists and academics believe we are about to enter the third green revolution and my studies will enable me to be part of this and take advantage of new innovative technology to make the world a better place.

“This placement is the perfect first step towards achieving a managing career in poultry.”