Four crop science students have each been awarded a £3,000 bursary by NIAB TAG for outstanding achievement in their studies.

Greg Colebrook, Scott Hayles, Tom Blanchard and Stephanie Abbott are winners of this year's ASSET (Agricultural Science Student Education Training) prize, a joint initiative between NIAB TAG and four leading crop science universities; Reading, Harper Adams, Newcastle and Nottingham.

The programme began in 2008 and NIAB TAG has to date awarded £60,000 in student bursaries, in association with the NIAB Trust and The Morley Agricultural Foundation.

ASSET is available to second year students enrolled in specific crop-based modules at the four universities. The winners, one from each university, are chosen on the quality of specific second year project work, a recommendation from their tutors and an interview with NIAB TAG staff.

NIAB TAG's Juno McKee says: "ASSET's aim is to support and encourage the best undergraduates into careers that will support applied research and knowledge transfer for the future benefit of the arable sector. The programme encourages students to take ‘crop' modules and directs them towards crop orientated dissertations. We support students in their studies by providing valuable agronomic information and leads, tailored to the curriculum of each university, as well as important networking links with the applied research and agronomy industry through NIAB TAG.

"Greg, Scott, Tom and Stephanie have been rewarded for showing outstanding initiative, knowledge and ambition throughout their studies, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by the crop production sector. We're looking forward to watching how the careers of our winners progress in the future," says Dr McKee.

30 New Entrants

Sarah Cowlrick, CEO of the AICC (Association of Independent Crop Consultants) was delighted to stage the presentation of this important award at the AICC's three-day National Technical Conference.  The conference was the largest ever in terms of member and contributor attendance and included 30 new entrants.