A WOMAN who grew up on a family dairy farm in west Wales is one of two women from Wales awarded 2021 Nuffield farming scholarships.

Anna Bowen, grew up on a family dairy farm in Llandysul, and now works for AHDB Dairy as an animal health knowledge exchange manager.

In this role Anna focuses on guiding farms to complete their health action plan by bringing new research and good practice to the farm setting, as well as helping farms to make effective disease management work with their farming system.

Anna is interested in exploring suitable outlets for dairy bull calves in the UK dairy industry, without impacting on animal health and profitability. She believes that this will be an important step in helping to ensure that consumers see dairy as an ethical choice.

The other recipient is Claire Whittle, a farm veterinary surgeon in Wrexham, who works primarily in the dairy industry with a keen interest in conservation. Recently completing a postgraduate certificate in conservation medicine, her passion for regenerative agriculture practices has prompted her to start a discussion group with farmers around the country to share ideas on the subject.

The group of 20 scholars, who come from across UK farming and rural industries, will seek guidance from industry leaders, experts and pioneers as they undertake their studies.

“Following an unprecedented and challenging year for UK agriculture, we are pleased to announce our 2021 scholars,” says Mike Vacher, Nuffield farming director.

“They have been carefully selected for both their passion for their chosen topic, and for their potential as future leaders within UK agriculture.”

“Our 2021 scholars have selected a range of topics that span the breadth of the industry, including livestock, soft fruits, aquaculture and workforce diversity. A Nuffield scholarship is a life changing experience, and will no doubt prove invaluable to both scholar businesses and to the industry as a whole.”