The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust (NFST) has announced the appointment of the 2022 Nuffield Farming Scholars, two of whom are poultry producers.
David Throup is a partner at Nun Monkton Estate, his family’s farming business located near York. He leads on the farm’s poultry enterprises, which includes three free-range layer units and a chick rearing unit. For his Scholarship, Throup would like to address the challenges that have arisen in his business associated with large volumes of manure including its storage, use as a by-product, and how to minimise its environmental impact as the second largest contributor to their carbon footprint.
James Wright, from Kington, Herefordshire, is the farm manager at Whittern Farm, managing blackcurrants, cider apples, vineyards and three poultry farms enterprises. The poultry units have predominantly been fuelled by a woodchip biomass but will soon transition to combustion of poultry litter. For his study, Wright will investigate how biomass plants can deliver humidity-free cooling into broiler to mitigate the effect of increasing UK summer temperatures, while supporting animal welfare and increasing productivity. He will also explore other novel technologies employed in warmer countries which may be of benefit to intensive poultry producers in the UK.
The group of 18 Scholars, who come from across UK farming and rural industries, will seek guidance from industry leaders, experts and pioneers as they undertake their studies.
“This year’s intake represents a significant change in direction agriculture is and must take to ensure a sustainable farming future,” said Mike Vacher, Nuffield Farming Director. “Many of our 2022 scholar’s topics are centred around reducing inputs, regenerative principles, improving efficiency, and mitigating climate change in order to help achieve net zero.”
“The future of agriculture needs forward-thinking and innovative leaders. This year’s scholars have been selected for demonstrating these traits and the clear passion they possess for their chosen topic,” said Vacher. “Solutions these scholars have chosen to investigate span across the breadth of the industry and include, arable, livestock, feed, forage and horticulture.
“On behalf of Nuffield Farming, I wish the 2022 Scholars the very best of luck as they prepare to start their studies. We are excited to hear more about the knowledge and experiences they gain over the course of their journeys. What they find will help shape the future of UK agriculture.”