Archie Harrison, Spence Agricultural Scholar 2024

My name is Archie; I am new entrant to agriculture after becoming interested in the sector through joining my local Young Farmers club at 14 post covid. Following joining Young Farmers I was able to make contacts with local farms that gave me an opening into finding jobs and learning new skills. Since then, I have attended Riseholme college in Lincolnshire, which helped me develop my enthusiasm to become involved as well as teaching me valuable skills and gaining the qualification to enable me to apply to Harper Adams University.

Over the last five years I have worked as much as possible on farms during weekends and holidays, learning about the many opportunities the industry has to offer as well as how important agriculture within the UK is in feeding not only this country but many others around the world. I have gained experience in cattle and sheep however I most enjoy crop production, which has inspired me for my future career.

During, my first year studying Agriculture with Crop Production Science I have greatly benefitted from the knowledge and skills that the lecturers are able to share as well as the experiences that are available such as working on the Harper farm, going on local farm trips and having access to industry training. So far, I have completed an online course in provided by The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture in Farm Safety and am currently in progress with learning the material ready to complete my Pa1 training in Pesticides. However, I have also made the most of the social side of being a student, through joining the universities Shooting club, Agricultural Society, attending balls and social events which have all allowed me to meet many new friends and become a part of university life.

During this year I have also attended many careers fairs allowing me to meet industry experts and been on farm tours and trips which has helped me with my course. I have also taken part in many charity events that support local charities. My greatest achievement for this year is being elected to be the secretary of the shooting club for next year in which I hope to get many new students involved in and become part of the harper family.

This year has really confirmed my passion for agriculture and with the skills already gained, and contacts made between friends and future employers I feel well prepared to become part of this ever-advancing industry in a summer job I have secured. With my aim for next year being to make stronger connections with industry specialists during work experience as well as completing more relevant training that will benefit my application for future jobs such as passing the Pa2 qualification. 

Since finishing this academic year in June, I have returned to a local farm I have worked on for the last few years with even more knowledge allowing me to be a reliable member of the team as they prepare for the hay season on the lead up to harvest. I am looking forward to a summer of hard work and making the most of what I have learnt and look forward to returning to Harper in October for another fantastic year.