The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has launched its 2022 Dairy Student Award, a long-standing competition within the industry, highly regarded by peers, companies and prospective employers for highlighting some of the sector’s rising stars.

The competition is sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers and takes the form of an essay response to a case study, prepared by Kite Consulting, to reflect real-life farming challenges.

To take part, course leaders must nominate applicants for the award before they are able to receive the case study and prepare their response.

Essays must be submitted by Thursday, November 4, after which a panel of judges will choose six finalists to join them for a formal interview and presentation at The Farmers Club in London.

Presentations must outline how the dairy industry might need to change to meet the challenges of the future.

RABDF vice-chairs Di Wastenage and Robert Craig are joined on the judging panel this year by Mole Valley’s James Hague and Chloe Cross from Kite Consulting.

Robert Craig said the competition has become distinguished across the dairy industry as a result of the high calibre of students entering each year.

He said:

The optimism and enthusiasm towards the industry is clear to see from the applicants and is encouraging for the future success of the sector.

“We look forward to receiving this year’s entries to see the applicants suggestions as they respond to a practical case study scenario.”

The competition is open to entrants who are studying at universities across the UK.

The winning student stands to take away £750 plus a six month paid placement with award sponsor Mole Valley Farmers.