Scholarship for agri-business student

Posted 12 July 2017

Natasha Pugh, 19, has received a Studley College Trust scholarship to help support her financially during her second year of study at Harper Adams University.

The student from Kimbolton, Herefordshire, said: “I’m really grateful for this scholarship as it will take off financial pressures this year.

“I chose to study BSc (Hons) Agri-business, as from a young age I knew that I had a passion for agriculture. It seemed a natural path to seek a career within the sector.

“My parents have diversified into different enterprises and we now have two holiday cottages.

“I’m hoping to expand the businesses when I return home in the future and create employment for local individuals. I’d also be interested in moving into a career within the agricultural sales business sector.

“The broad spectrum of knowledge I’ve gained from my agri-business course presents a number of different options for my choice in career.

“Choosing my course has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The 12 months I’ve studied at Harper Adams so far have certainly matched my interests and has been a really broadening experience, both academically and socially.

“Coming from a farming background and studying my chosen course will allow me to achieve a career within the industry I want to be in. I would like to teach and support likeminded individuals to produce food in an environmentally friendly way, look after the rural economy and make a profit whilst looking after the welfare of animals and people alike.

“The rural economy is under pressure. Financial pressure makes it difficult for younger people to live and work in the countryside. Traditional farming has to change to enable the next generation to enter this industry and to be successful.

“I feel honoured that I’ve been chosen for this scholarship especially because there were lots of other strong candidates.”