Trio shortlisted for British Farming Awards Agriculture Student of the Year trophy

Posted Today

The finalists for this year’s British Farming Awards Agriculture Student of the Year Award have been announced – with three Harper Adams scholars making the shortlist.

Faith Hepple, Betty Battarbee and Emma Burgess are among the final five students competing for the prize – with the winner set to be announced at a glittering ceremony in Birmingham in October.

Faith – who is in the second year of her FDSc Agriculture course at the University - said: “Being shortlisted for the award has been a shock!

“It's nice to be recognised for the hard work I've put in - though to be honest I can hardly believe it.”

Originally from Washinton, Tyne and Wear, Faith has thrown herself into life at University since starting her studies – helping raise thousands for charity in her role as RAG Chair.

She added: “I was drawn to Harper as I've always loved the idea of community. I've had friends from Young Farmers and work attend the University - and it sounded like the perfect place for me.

“Being both RAG Chair and a student life rep has been incredibly hard, and on top of work and being a student it's a lot to handle - but I'm glad I've done it!”

Faith is joined on the shortlist by final-year Agriculture scholars Emma and Betty – who are both also shortlisted for the same category at the Farmers’ Weekly awards.

Betty, from Lancashire, has faced some tough personal challenges during her time at University – losing both her parents and then the family farm.

Reflecting on her second awards nomination, she said: “Being nominated for Ag Student of the Year in both awards is incredibly special and something I’m really proud of.

“After everything that’s happened over the past few years, it’s a real honour to have my hard work and passion for the agricultural industry recognised.

“While losing our family farm was heartbreaking, it has only strengthened my determination to support the farming community in other ways, and this nomination means a great deal to me.”

Meanwhile Emma, who is from the Shetland Islands, chose to study at Harper Adams to build her skills and take back the latest knowledge to help boost her family farm back home.

She described being shortlisted for both awards alongside coursemate Betty as a shock and added: “I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet, I still can’t believe it.

“I am delighted for Betty and I!”

All three students have been praised by Louisa Dines, Course Manager for Agriculture.

She said: “It is fantastic to see them among the finalists for the 2026 British Farming Awards Ag Student of the Year.

“We are very proud of all that these three have achieved in their time at Harper, both inside the classroom and in their own lives outside of the classroom.

“Regardless of who takes home the award, I have no doubt that these three will all make an impact in the industry in the future.”