Trio shortlisted for National Women in Agriculture Awards

Posted Today

National Women in Agriculture awards nominees: from left, Isla Soutter, Louisa Dines, and Chloe Gimson

A Principal Lecturer and two alumni from Harper Adams University’s Agriculture course are among nominees for this year’s National Women in Agriculture awards.

Course Manager for Agriculture Louisa Dines is a finalist in the Training and Education Woman of the Year category, while BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Farm Business Management alumna Chloe Gimson and  BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science graduate Isla Soutter are each vying for the Rising Star of the Year title.

The awards will be held in London in early May.

Isla, who now works for leading food processor ABP, said:  "It’s great to be shortlisted alongside fellow Harper students and staff.

“I truly love what I do and feel extremely grateful to work in the agricultural industry alongside such inspiring people. Every day is a learning day, and I’m genuinely thankful to be recognised along the way. I’ve looked up to so many individuals who have inspired me over the years, and I hope to pay that forward by inspiring others in the future.

“I’m especially proud to be shortlisted alongside Louisa Dines, who taught and guided me during my time there and contributed so much to my development.”

And Chloe, who now works for Savills, added: “It is a real honour and I am humbled to have been shortlisted alongside so many talented women within agriculture.

“So much of the work I do, whether it is supporting farmers through my day job, championing British produce or engaging with the public through education and food, comes from a genuine passion for the industry. I am therefore delighted that my efforts to support the agricultural industry both within my workplace and beyond have been recognised.” 

Reflecting on her nomination, Louisa added: “I am delighted to be shortlisted for this award and grateful for the opportunities and support that I have had to develop my career and bring my agronomy skills into the classroom and now to lead the Agriculture Courses at Harper Adams.

“It is made even more special by the fact that two of the Rising Star nominations for the awards are recent Harper alumni that I, along with many others at Harper Adams, have taught.

“Watching their journey into a career in Agriculture is what makes this job so rewarding and to see them nominated for an award so early in their careers is just fantastic.”

Both Chloe and Isla were also shortlisted for an Agricultural Student of the Year award in their final year at Harper – and both have since gone on to blaze a trail in their chosen industry.

Chloe joined Savills after graduating in 2021. She said: “I have been fortunate to build my career within the Food & Farming team, progressing from a graduate to Associate.

“Savills has given me opportunities well beyond my core role from helping to train new graduates to supporting social media, organising local community events and developing my public-speaking skills.

“Alongside my day job, I have remained actively involved in the agricultural industry including as a member of the Ladies in Pigs Committee and Chair of the Society of Agriculture Thames Valley Group.”

And Isla added: “Since graduating, the opportunities have been endless. Harper taught me so much about myself, the industry, and how to get involved - and that’s exactly what I’ve tried to do, and what I’m determined to keep doing!

“After graduating, I spent time travelling in Australia and later joined the ABP graduate scheme.

“Two years on, I’ve stepped into the role of Agriculture Manager, leading the gamechanger accounts for the business, a role I really enjoy. The opportunities have continued to grow, and I’m more motivated than ever to stay involved wherever I can.”

Isla and Chloe both believe their time at University helped to shape the path of their careers.

Chloe said: “It is a credit to Harper that there are a number of women shortlisted for the awards. It highlights the strength of the Harper network and the way it continues to support its graduates long after graduation.

“Harper Adams has such a strong reputation for producing people who go on to make a real impact across agriculture.”

And Isla added: “Harper was where everything began for me, opening up opportunities and giving me the space to grow in confidence and determination.

“Being recognised alongside the Harper community means a great deal, as the university played such an important part in my journey and is something I’ll always be grateful for.”