Duchy College Student Wins Prestigious RABDF Farm Health Management Award

In an impressive showcase of knowledge and dedication to farm health management, Clara Woodhead, a BSc (Hons) Agriculture student at Duchy College’s Stoke Climsland campus, has been awarded the coveted Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) Farm Health Management Award for 2024. The award, which came with a £500 prize, was presented at the Dairy-Tech event, sponsored by Volac, recognising her exceptional contribution to proactive farm health management strategies.

Clara distinguished herself among numerous contenders with her insightful approach to overcoming industry barriers and her deep understanding of the Agriculture Act’s essential components. Her victory not only highlights her personal achievement but also underscores the high-quality education and training provided by Duchy College, part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG).

Reflecting on her win, Clara expressed her gratitude for the comprehensive agricultural education she received at Duchy College, which significantly contributed to her success. She emphasised the importance of a proactive and preventive focus in farm health management, a perspective that was enhanced through her research and participation in the competition.

Paul Ward, Farm Research Platform Manager of the Rural Business School at TCCG, praised Clara’s achievement as a reflection of the college’s expertise in agriculture and farm health management. He highlighted the school’s role in advancing the sector through knowledge exchange programs such as ‘Healthy Livestock’ and ‘BVD – Stamp It Out’, which have made significant impacts in the southwest.

The competition’s judge, RABDF Trustee Sarah Tomlinson, commended Clara for her passionate and comprehensive approach to farm health planning. Tomlinson noted Clara’s appreciation for the value of collaboration with both internal team members and external advisers, such as vets and nutritionists, and her understanding of the critical role of data monitoring in managing endemic diseases and ensuring the long-term sustainability of farming operations.

The runner-up for the 2024 RABDF Farm Health Management Awards was Katie Kirkwood from Myerscough College, who demonstrated the high level of competition and quality of entries this year.

Clara Woodhead’s achievement serves as an inspiration for students and professionals alike, emphasising the critical importance of proactive health management in the agriculture sector. For more information about the programs and opportunities available at Duchy College Stoke Climsland, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.duchy.ac.uk.