For twelve years, the British Farming Awards has shone a light on the best in British Farming. During this annual event, Britain's farming industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of its contemporaries.

The 2024 Agricultural Student of the Year finalists are a group of exceptional young farmers. Each of these finalists are successfully progressing their learning and careers inside and outside of university. Some of our finalists have an agricultural background and others are new to the industry, but all of these students demonstrate impressive self-motivation, initiative, ability and an impressive commitment to agriculture outside of academic life. 

Finalists – Agricultural Student of the Year (Sponsored by Richmond Asset Finance)

Elin Orrells – Aberystwyth University

From an early age, Elin showed a clear passion for agriculture, with memorable childhood experiences on the farm marking the start of her enthusiasm. Her commitment was further demonstrated through her BSc Hons Degree in Agriculture from Aberystwyth University, which included a year in industry as an Agricultural Banking Specialist with Oxbury Agriculture Bank. This placement provided her with deep insights into the financial pressures and opportunities within the industry, and allowed her to support farmers navigating challenges such as TB restrictions and rising interest rates.

During her placement, Elin not only excelled by sealing significant finance deals but also faced tough decisions, learning the importance of balancing support with long-term financial sustainability. Her achievements were recognised with Aberystwyth University's "Best Performance on an Integrated Year in Industry" award. Her dissertation on the impact of subsidy changes further broadened her understanding of agricultural and rural policy issues.

Elin has also been deeply involved in Montgomeryshire YFC, holding leadership roles that have honed her skills and allowed her to make significant contributions. As Vice-Chair of the county Rally competition and Chair of the Field Day, she has played a key role in supporting local YFC activities and fostering team spirit. Her work at Tregynon YFC, including organising skill-building events, led to the club's success at the County Field Day and highlighted the power of teamwork.

In addition to her YFC involvement, Elin runs a website breeding Australian Kelpie working dogs and has recently begun establishing a Limousin pedigree herd. Winning the 2019 Lantra Wales Young College Learner of the Year Award and being named County and Wales Junior Member of the Year in 2021–2022 underscores her dedication and passion for agriculture.

Elin's future at Oxbury as an Agricultural Relationship Manager will enable her to support clients across Wales and beyond. Her dissertation on the impact of subsidy changes on Welsh farm businesses reflects her commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges facing the industry. Elin remains passionate about sustainable agriculture and food security, actively engaging in initiatives to improve farming practices and advocate for the industry.

Kestrel Lambert – Royal Agricultural University

Kestrel Lambert's journey from the London School of Economics to the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) exemplifies a deep-seated passion for agriculture and technology. Despite not coming from a farming background, Kestrel's curiosity about agriculture led her to pursue an MSc in Agricultural Technology and Innovation at RAU, supported by the Clyde Higgs Scholarship. Commenting on her passion, she says, "I wanted to be involved in all things agriculture, I hope more people will take an interest as it is so important to our country". 

At the RAU, Kestrel has excelled in her studies and research. Her dissertation focuses on tackling the deer problem in agroforestry by using artificial intelligence (AI) to protect crops and trees. Partnering with Sapperton Wilder and Conservation X Labs, Kestrel is developing a groundbreaking AI-based algorithm to alert farmers of potential vegetation predation. This innovative project integrates her coding and data science skills to advance sustainable farming practices.

In addition to her dissertation, Kestrel has contributed to academic research as a co-author for an upcoming publication in the Journal of Food and Energy Security. This article, also slated for adaptation by the UK Parliament, examines crop species diversity as a strategy for enhancing global food security and climate resilience.

Kestrel's involvement extends beyond academia. As a part-time employee at a climate finance firm, she specialises in carbon credits within agriculture and renewables, with plans to help launch the firm's UK office. Her role includes carbon policy analysis and advising on ESG performance.

Her past experience at LSE, where she revitalised the Tea Society during COVID-19, demonstrates her leadership and community-building skills. By organising engaging events and supporting startups, she fostered a vibrant community.

Looking ahead, Kestrel is eager to continue her research in agriculture, focusing on crop diversification as a strategy for climate resilience. She believes in the synergy of regenerative agriculture and technological advancements. Kestrel is committed to bridging the gap between technological innovation and sustainable farming, advocating for a collaborative approach to address climate change and improve agricultural practices. Her vision for the future includes combining regenerative agriculture with smart technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the sector.

Holly Bonner – Bridgwater & Taunton College of University Centre Somerset

Holly Bonner's journey from a non-traditional educational path to pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Management at Bridgwater & Taunton College of University Centre Somerset reflects her deep commitment to agriculture. Hailing from Devon, Holly initially chose a Level 3 Agricultural Apprenticeship over A-Levels, working on her family farm and gaining diverse experience in livestock sectors and event catering. This hands-on approach fuelled her passion for farming and laid a solid foundation for her studies.

During her degree, Holly has demonstrated remarkable dedication. Despite the challenges of balancing work and study, she has excelled academically, with most of her grades consistently above 80%. Her achievements include reaching the final of the Pinnacle Awards for Farm Business Excellence two years running and securing a Silver award the second year. These accolades not only boosted her confidence but also highlighted her commitment to the field.

Holly's degree programme, which allows for part-time work, has enabled her to continue contributing to her family's multi-generational beef and sheep farm while also working in event catering. Additionally, she has gained valuable experience working with an independent farm business consultancy, learning about grant schemes and farm performance improvement. Her role as treasurer of the local young farmers club also reflects her active engagement in the agricultural community.

Among her proudest accomplishments, Holly values her degree the most. It symbolises three years of hard work, determination, and personal growth. Her experience demonstrates that alternative educational routes can be just as effective, if not more so, in pursuing one's passion.

Looking ahead, Holly is keen to continue gaining experience in agriculture and dreams of running her own farm in the future. She is particularly interested in integrating public engagement to enhance industry openness. For now, she aims to focus on consultancy, leveraging her skills in data and figures to support family farms.

Holly acknowledges the significant challenges facing agriculture, including climate change, soil degradation, and financial pressures on farms. She advocates for increased knowledge sharing within the industry and stronger industry-academic partnerships to drive targeted research and practical solutions. Holly believes in maximizing workforce potential through innovative approaches like tenancies and share farming, and emphasises the importance of open discussions among farmers to foster collaboration and improvement.

Elin Rattray – Harper Adams University

Elin Rattray, a 21-year-old student at Harper Adams University studying Agri-Food Marketing with Business, is currently on placement at Woodhead Bros (Morrisons), where she has gained valuable experience in the meat processing sector. Her course choice was motivated by a desire to understand the entire agri-food supply chain, combining her interests in agriculture, food, and business.

Elin's early involvement in the agricultural industry includes working in her family's retail butcher shop and assisting on their small sheep farm in Aberystwyth. This hands-on experience provided her with practical knowledge of both food retail and production.

During her placement, Elin has worked with the Livestock team at Woodhead Bros, participating in cattle selection, managing marketing platforms, and working towards Morrisons' Net Zero by 2030 goal. Her placement project on export sales has deepened her interest in international markets, leading to her dissertation topic on how overseas lamb markets influence UK demand and how British farmers can benefit.

Actively engaged in the agricultural community, Elin has been a member of Trisant Young Farmers Club since age 12, participating in various competitions and events. She has achieved significant recognition, including winning Ceredigion County YFC Junior Member of the Year and Wales YFC Junior Member of the Year. Her involvement extends to the Ystwyth Valley Agricultural Discussion Group and appearances on S4/C for the Royal Welsh Show and Winter Fair.

Elin's proudest achievements include receiving the Butchers and Drovers Charitable Institute Bursary and being invited to officially open the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in November 2023. These honours reflect her dedication and potential in the industry. Commenting on becoming a finalist in the awards, Elin said, "being shortlisted for a British Farming Award is  huge honour, I'm grateful to Woodhead Bros/Morrisons and Harper Adams University for the opportunities and encouragement".

Elin aims to work with large-scale meat manufacturers and explore different farming systems through travel to New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Upon returning to the UK, she plans to contribute to the agri-food industry, focusing on sustainability and market opportunities. She acknowledges challenges like high land prices and the cost of living crisis and advocates for better government consultation and industry collaboration to address these issues and promote British produce.

Taking place on October 17 at The VOX in Birmingham, the event will welcome industry professionals from across the country to celebrate British agriculture and the successes it has had this year.

Get your tickets here to celebrate with the finalists at The British Farming Awards: https://www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk/britishfarmingawards/en/page/table-packages