The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust has announced the appointment of three new next-gen poultry scholars: Holly Buchan of Aberdeenshire, Rachel Campbell of Peeblesshire, and Emily Brass of Cumbria.
After a successful pilot scheme in 2024, Nuffield Farming has expanded the initiative to include a poultry scholarship organised by the Nuffield Farming poultry and Scotland groups. Open to those aged 18-24, the programme is open to those with a demonstratable interest in the poultry industry and aims to support the development of young talent in agriculture.
The 2025 Nuffield Farming next-gen scholars are:
Holly Buchan
Holly is a technical assistant at Duncan Farms, where she is responsible for the mixing and delivery of feed to all poultry and red mite control. An active young farmer, she is committed to building a career in the sector and expanding her knowledge of commercial poultry management. During her scholarship, she is looking forward to understanding alternative methods of red mite control and the role of nutrition in boosting performance.
Rachel Campbell
Rachel grew up on a mixed family farm in Peeblesshire where she spent her teenage years collecting eggs and caring for hens in the farm’s poultry business. Now working in property, Campbell is keen to move back into agriculture and build a career in the industry. She hopes that the scholarship will help her gain experience and build connections in the poultry sector.
Emily Brass
As operations fields person at Lake Free Range Eggs, Emily Brass is responsible for the placement of day-old chicks on contract and company-owned rearing farms. She is currently involved with the Future Farmers Programme at Harper Adams University and is keen to build her knowledge in broilers, genetics and veterinary health. Brass hopes that the scholarship will expand her knowledge and build her confidence in communicating new ideas.
The next-gen scholars will take part in a 30-day study programme later this year, visiting poultry farms and businesses across the UK. They will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the industry, while also building networks and future opportunities. Their scholarships will culminate at the 2025 Nuffield Farming conference in Aberdeen, where they will share the learnings from their Scholarship.
“The three recipients of our inaugural next-gen poultry scholarship all displayed a clear passion for the industry and a desire to be a positive part of its future,” said Tom Rawson, chair of the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust. “During the programme they will be exposed to a wide range of poultry businesses, providing vital knowledge and experience as they build their career in the sector.”