A Harper Adams student has been named as the RASE 'Agricultural Student Speaker of the Year Award' winner.

Philippa Gray, a student at the university won through against finalists from the Royal Agricultural University, Newcastle University and others from Harper Adams at a judging day, recently.

This competition – which is in its inaugural year – is aimed at engaging current agricultural students on the issues of the day and to promote the thinking of our next generation of agriculturalists to the sector.

Philippa’s presentation “21st Century: The dawn of the wool age?” impressed the judges with its relevance and diversity of content. As a shepherdess in her final year of a BSc Hons agriculture with animal science, it was clear that Philippa knew the sheep and wool industry inside and out, said the citation.

"Her diverse but well-structured presentation covered issues including environmental impact, animal welfare, public perception of the industry and why we should be promoting the use of wool. She answered questions from the judging panel eloquently and factually whilst also including relevant personal experience," it said.

Other finalists included Gordon Lamb, from Newcastle University, on 'The most important skill farmers need' – a well-structured presentation on the importance of good communication in a farm business; while Charlotte Pritchard, from the Royal Agricultural University, gave an impassioned presentation on 'Talent and diversity in the agricultural industry' and how there was a need to broaden society's perception of farming.

Another from Harper Adams, Sophie Thornton, presented on the bitcoin revolution, 'Blockchain: Can it change the future of farming?' and Annabel Coke, from Newcastle University, gave the presentation “The mouse that roared', discussing how consumer voices are influencing the agricultural sector.