The benefit of sheep production in upland environments as told by award-winning Harper Adams graduate

Alltech is delighted to announce Harper Adams University graduate Georgia Lindstrom as the latest recipient of the Alltech Award. The award, which Alltech has sponsored for many years, is presented annually in recognition of the best assignment and exam results by a final year student taking the university’s Sustainable Animal Production Systems module.

Georgia took the Sustainable Animal Production Systems module while studying for a bachelor’s degree in agriculture at Harper Adams University. Her assignment focused on the role and benefit of sheep production in upland environments; emphasising how sheep are unrecognised as complementariness of the countryside. 

Not originally from a farming background, Georgia is passionate about connecting with and encouraging and new entrants into the industry. Georgia believes that we as an industry need to have more of a voice, and shout loud and proud about our responsible stewardship. While it takes time and effort, we should be open with their customers, leveraging social media to engage and converse with them. 

Another standout takeaway, according to Georgia, is the need for farming to embrace modern technology and new ideas. She said that we as an industry need to help farmers to adopt, and the industry is calling out for new blood to help lead the way.

“I am delighted that Alltech continue to support young and talented people entering the agricultural industry,” Liam Sinclair, Professor of Animal Science at Harper Adams University, said. “Georgia Lindstrom was chosen as this year’s recipient of the Alltech Prize due to her outstanding performance in Sustainable Animal Production Systems during her final year and is a worthy winner.”

This award is representative of the legacy of the late Dr. Pearse Lyons, the founder of Alltech. As an accomplished scientist and passionate storyteller, he strongly supported the importance of mentorship and education.

“Alltech has always looked to the future, encouraging innovation and forward-thinking in agriculture,” Pat Charlton, Alltech vice-president, said. “With the Alltech Award, we celebrate the young people who will change our industry, and our planet, for the better.”

The Alltech Award is just one of the many collaborations between Alltech and Harper Adams University. Earlier this year, a new Alltech IFM™ (In-Vitro Fermentation) laboratory designed to evaluate digestibility of ruminant rations and individual ingredients in Europe was launched at the university.  The new technology works by simulating rumen fermentation to identify opportunities to reduce energy losses and feed wastage. Alltech and Harper Adams University are delighted to provide farmers with these unique nutritional insights to help increase production profitability and help contribute to the UK’s sustainable agri-food goals.