Donaghadee student among RABDF MSD Animal Health Dairy Student of the Year finalists

Phillip Donaldson of Donaghadee was among the finalists for the prestigious RABDF MSD Animal Health Dairy Student of the Year.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Mar 2016, 15:06 BST
Updated 21st Mar 2016, 15:08 BST
Phillip Donaldson, with from left, Kite Consultings Abby Cook; Greenmounts David Alexander; RABDF chairman, Mike King; Kite Consultings Edward LottPhillip Donaldson, with from left, Kite Consultings Abby Cook; Greenmounts David Alexander; RABDF chairman, Mike King; Kite Consultings Edward Lott
Phillip Donaldson, with from left, Kite Consultings Abby Cook; Greenmounts David Alexander; RABDF chairman, Mike King; Kite Consultings Edward Lott

A final year student studying BSc Agricultural Technology with Professional Studies, Queens University, Belfast/CAFRE, he was among the six finalists selected from 28 entrants for the prestigious award.

“I was really happy to get to the finals, it was a challenging experience and it was great to meet other like-minded students,” he said. After graduating, Phillip plans a long term career in the dairy sector. “Despite the current down turn, I believe the industry has a future; I’m certain there will be global demand and having a passion for dairy farming, I want to follow that up, initially working in the feeds sector, before returning to the family farm in say 10 years’ time.

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“I think there is potential to expand the herd from a current 90 to 120 cows, whilst pushing forward milk from forage. A small unit’s future is going to be keeping costs down by making more from forage and minimizing additional labour whilst maintaining high management standards.”

The overall winner was Andrew Harrison, studying BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science at Harper Adams University (HAU; runner up, Cennydd Jones, Agriculture with Animal Science at the University of Aberystwyth; finalists, Kirstie Baird BSc Agriculture, SRUC Ayr; Rachel Beasley, BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science, HAU; and Louis Smith M Eng, Foundation Degree Agricultural Management, Bridgwater College (Cannington Centre).

Twenty eight agriculture and vet students responded to RABDF’s invitation to complete an essay featuring business advice prepared by Kite Consulting featuring a 300 dairy cow family unit, currently a marginal business managed by a farmer who was seeking a long term plan to ensure the enterprise remained viable for his son to completely take over on his retirement. Essays were judged by RABDF chairman Mike King, RABDF Council member William Westacott and Kite Consulting’s Edward Lott and Abby Cook. The six semi-finalists travelled to London on Friday to give a presentation on ‘The UK Dairy Industry in the Next 10 Years’.

MSD Animal Health’s Sean Riches said: “It is encouraging to see such a high level of interest in this award, with so many young people entering this year who are clearly set on a career in the industry. New entrants bring fresh energy, are more open to new ideas and will be keener to embrace change, and that can only be good for the UK dairy industry currently. By working with RABDF on this award we hope we are helping to support future development and ensuring our industry remains a strong player in an increasingly global market. We are proud to be associated with such a well-targeted initiative and wish all those who entered a bright and fulfilling future in the UK dairy industry.”

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RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington said: “Rewarding success and achievement, and promoting career opportunities in the dairy sector are key activities for our association. This particular award helps to identify some of the most intelligent and highly motivated youngsters who we are confident will help to secure the future for British dairy farming.”