Jack prepares to give back as he launches Green Lanes Scholarship

Posted 24 October 2018

A former Harper Adams student who used his imagination and a crowd-funding platform to kick-start his business is preparing to share his success by offering a scholarship.

Jack Stillwell, 27, graduated from Harper Adams University in 2015 with an Honours degree is Rural Property Management – but he had his eyes firmly on a career in livestock farming.

In his final year at university, Jack launched a crowdfunding bid in the hope that he would raise enough money to purchase cattle and rent some land. Ambitious for a then 23-year-old who was new to farming.

The initial attempt didn’t bring the cash rolling in but it did push Jack into the media spotlight – which in turn attracted investors to give a leg-up to what is now Green Lanes Farming, a progressive beef company rearing around 5,000 calves every year.

Jack says: “The business focuses on dairy males for store cattle production and finishing, as well as some native breed cattle also. Day-to-day, we make use of technology included electronic identification devices, automated calf feeding and management software. We emphasise precision and sustainable intensification for commercial levels of output, and have a clear plan for progression and expansion, galvanising our position in an exciting period of agriculture to come.”

Exciting for Jack and exciting for the student who will join his company as a placement student next year and receive a financial boost in the form of a scholarship.

“Having been a scholar myself, I understand the advantages and benefits for both parties involved,” Jack adds. “Whilst wanting to give something back to the industry and help people reach their full potential, I am also looking to bring the best young brains into our organisation to grow and develop with us.

“I’m looking for a self-motivated individual who can work as part of a young, forward thinking team with a view to becoming a team leader and manager as the business continues to grow. They will need to have the ability to work with vets for ongoing improvement and protocols; to carry out administration; have decision-making ability for treatments of young stock; and use management information from technology combined with a stockperson’s eye for the best results.

“Ultimately we are looking for the best talent in the industry to help us develop and grow our brand, who understands our company ethos of innovation and progression.

“Mind-set and attitude are key. A willingness to work hard, constantly learn and embrace new thinking is a core principal of what we are about!”

Jack will be at the Harper Adams University Scholarships Fair on Thursday October 25th to promote the opportunity with Green Lanes and to share his story with interested students.

Read more about the scholarship.