A former Hartpury College student has been announced as the winner of the 2023 NFU (National Farmers Union) Cymru/NFU Mutual ‘Dairy Stockperson of the Year Award’. Harri Vaughan, who studied Level 3 Extended Diploma Agriculture at Hartpury, picked up the award at the Welsh Dairy Show in Nantyci, Carmarthenshire on Tuesday 24 October.

The competition, now in its 10th year, recognises the important contribution a good dairy stockperson can make to a dairy enterprise, as well as the wider Welsh dairy industry.

During the presentation Harri was presented with the top prize of £500 and a Welsh slate engraved cheese board by NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chairman, Jonathan Wilkinson and Rhys Williams, NFU Cymru/NFU Mutual Group Secretary in Llandeilo, who judged the competition.

Harri was raised on his grandparent’s dairy farm with his parents also becoming involved in the business many years ago. When Harri was eight months old he would go with his grandmother to feed the cows and would carry around a bucket, this is where his passion for dairy farming began. While studying at Hartpury College, he spent a year on a dairy farm during his placement.

Harri now plays a vital role in running and managing the dairy, beef and sheep farm and, along with his wife Hannah, has more recently achieved his childhood dream of buying the neighbouring farm, which both his father and grandfather previously worked on.

Speaking after the presentation, NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chair Jonathan Wilkinson said: “I would like to congratulate Harri on winning this award. The standard of entries in this year’s competition were extremely high and myself and Rhys had the difficult task of choosing between the shortlisted entries.

“However, Harri’s passion and positivity for the future of the dairy industry here in Wales, meant he stood out during the judging process. From the moment we met him, Harri’s enthusiasm for dairy farming was clear to see and we were delighted to present him with this award today.”

Claire Whitworth, Deputy Principal of Hartpury College said: “We never tire of hearing about student successes after they’ve left us, and I’m delighted to see that Harri’s dedication and passion for farming has been recognised with this award.

“Initiatives like these are vital to ensure those in important farming roles are recognised for the work they do and role they play in the industry. Everyone at Hartpury wishes Harri and his family lots of success with their latest farm venture.”

Agriculture at Hartpury College

For 75 years, agriculture has remained at the heart of Hartpury. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt, so too does Hartpury’s educational offering. Hartpury College will introduce exciting new agriculture T Levels in Land-Based Engineering, Crop Production and Livestock Production for the 2024-25 academic year. T Levels are set to become one of the main choices after GCSEs, alongside A-levels and apprenticeships, developed with employers and educational providers to offer a technical programme that gives students the applied skills required by industry. Students will spend around 20% of their time applying these skills and knowledge in their work placement, supported by 80% of their time spent taking part in practicals and theory-led sessions on campus.

Hartpury’s links with industry and experience in the sector make it well-placed to deliver high-quality agriculture T Levels. State-of-the-art facilities include an Agri-Tech Centre, Digital Studio, Tech Box Park and commercial farm, and investment into the renovation of workshops and purchase of new equipment for the introduction of T Levels will further add to the learning experience.

Employability rates remain high at Hartpury College with 97% of students progressing to employment, university or further study. 98% also feel their skills and knowledge have progressed well (Hartpury College 2023).