Beef Student of the Year

Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society award goes to University of Nottingham’s Henry Scholefield

Henry Scholefield, a second-year student studying BSc (Hons) Agriculture at the University of Nottingham is the winner of the Beef Student of the Year award presented by the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society in Birmingham yesterday, 23 April. He received a £1,000 award, whilst the university he represented was presented with £1,000 towards a beef educational project.

The other four finalists selected from the entrants were William Davies, BSc (Hons) Agriculture, Aberystwyth University; Josh Dowbiggin BSc (Hons) Agriculture, Harper Adams University; Tommy Fairbairn, BSc Agriculture, Edinburgh campus of Scotland’s Rural College; and the FdSc degree team from Riseholme College – Oliver Chapman, Simon Culpan and Eleanor Jarvis-Cope.

Students studying agriculture were invited by the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society to compile an essay discussing the future of suckler beef production. The five finalists were invited to make a presentation which demonstrated an understanding of the industry, the challenges it faces, and how farmers will need to respond. The judging panel featured Morrisons Livestock and Farming Development Manager, Jodie Bolland, Deputy UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Graeme Cooke, Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society President, Sally Horrell and NBA Chief Executive, Chris Mallon. 

“Winning this award was a huge surprise and thrill,” said Henry Scholefield who hails from a Cumbrian farming background. “It was a great experience researching the suckler beef sector in detail and to have the chance to present my findings to industry influencers. My vision for profitable and sustainable suckler production is one of low input, high health status, maximising gain from forage, and leaving calves that go on to produce progeny which have the ability to finish in-spec. That’s where Beef Shorthorn fits; it’s a modern suckler cow offering milk, hardiness, docility and feed efficiency – just right for low input systems.”

Judge, Dr Graeme Cooke commented: “We were impressed by the students’ level of commitment to understanding the challenges for the beef industry, along with their passion and level of optimism for the future. They all demonstrated a solid depth of knowledge of the beef industry and how Beef Shorthorn could sit within it.” Chris Mallon added: “It was however, Henry Scholefield who had the edge, he had carried out research to a very detailed level for the award whose components were all delivered to an extremely high standard.”

Sally Horrell said: “The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society is pleased to make this award which has identified some of the most motivated and forward-thinking students within the beef sector. We are confident that the honours will contribute towards opening up new opportunities for them and achieving a successful career within the industry.”