Harper Ireland students told they are the ‘future of agriculture’ at annual dinner

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Students in Harper Adams University’s Harper Ireland student society will help build the ‘future of agriculture’, the President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster has said.

YFCU President – and Harper Adams University alumnus – Richard Beattie was speaking as guest of honour at the annual Harper Ireland student society dinner.

Mr Beattie, from Dunloy, Co. Antrim, studied Agriculture at Harper Adams – and is one of a series of Harper Adams students who have been named RABDF Dairy Student of the Year, securing the prize in his final year in 2017.

He told the dinner: “Harper Ireland is where my memories are fondest. 

“I was delighted to hold the role of Treasurer during my time on the Harper Ireland committee, so I appreciate the work that goes into tonight.”

He paid tribute to his audience for stepping out of their comfort zone to study across the Irish Sea – and to the strength of community spirit forged by societies such as Harper Ireland.

Looking ahead, he noted there was much for the current student cohort to relish – even as the agriculture sector faces an uncertain future.

He said: “You are the innovation. You are the ones taking the research from the Harper Adams Farm and the labs here and figuring out how to make it work on a hillside in Tyrone or a dairy unit in Cork.

“I’m not going to stand here and tell you the road ahead is paved with easy wins.

“We know the score, agriculture is currently navigating a perfect storm of policy shifts, rising input costs, and the massive task of balancing food security with environmental stewardship. It can feel like the goalposts aren't just moving—they’re being dug up and replanted in a different field entirely.

“But if there is one thing that defines a Harper student, and certainly one thing that defines our industry, it is resilience.”

Coupled with the skills students had learned on their degrees, Mr Beattie told the students this resilience made him optimistic - for their future, and that of the sector.

He added: “You are graduating into an era where your skills are more vital than they have ever been. You have the Harper Adams education—the gold standard in our industry—which has given you the technical 'know-how.'

“Pair that with the tenacious hard work that is bred into your bones, and you become unstoppable.

“Your education here hasn’t just taught you how to pass an exam; it has taught you how to think, how to lead, and how to adapt. That foundation will carry you through every transition our industry faces.

“So, as you head back to the bar or eventually back home to the farm, keep your heads up. The future of agriculture isn't something that happens to us—it’s something you are going to build.

“Work hard, stay sharp, and never lose that Harper Ireland spirit.”

In the awards ceremony following the dinner, the Vice President's Award was presented to Veterinary Medicine student Liam McKenna, from Augher, Co. Tyrone, who will serve as 2026/7 Chairman.

He said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chairman of Harper Ireland.

“I aim to build on the society’s strong traditions while creating opportunities for new members to get involved and feel welcome. I am excited for the year ahead and look forward to helping the society continue to grow."

Outgoing Chairman, fellow Veterinary Medicine student John-Mark McCrea, from Stewartstown, Co. Tyrone, added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as Harper Ireland Chair over the past year. During this time, we organised a wide range of events for the society, including farm tours, Cheltenham, go-karting, socials, and of course the Paddy’s Ball.

“The rest of the committee and I made a special effort to ensure that new students arriving from Ireland felt welcomed, giving them a place to socialise and make new friends from across the island of Ireland.

“I look forward to seeing what next year’s committee has planned for the society and wish them every success.”

The President’s award, which recognises the contribution of students that have given their all to Harper Adams, Harper Ireland and the student community, was secured by final-year BSc (Hons) Veterinary Bioscience student Stephanie Jones, from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.

The award was made in absentia, with an in-person presentation held at the University afterwards.

The John Thompson & Sons Victor Truesdale Prize was awarded this year to final year BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science student Isabel McDowell, from Seskinore in Co. Tyrone.

The prize includes both a specially-commissioned crystal punch bowl and a cheque, which are given to the student from Ireland deemed to have made the greatest contribution to life at Harper Adams.

It is awarded in memory of Victor Truesdale, former sales director of John Thompson & Sons Ltd, who passed away in 2001, and was presented this year by Mr Truesdale’s brother Edwin.

Isabel said: “I was really delighted to be chosen as the recipient of this year’s Truesdale Award!

“It was a proud moment - and a great encouragement as I continue my studies in agriculture.”