ÎÞÂ붯»­

Graduation 2016 - sheep research secures two prizes for Libbie Harris

Posted 26 October 2016

Libbie Harris, from Bristol, has been awarded the Texel Sheep Society Education Award and the Worship Company of Farmers Prize.

Both of these awards relate to the 23-year-olds’ honours research project (HRP), where she investigated the effect of semen dilution rate at freezing on the integrity of frozen-thawed ram sperm.

Dr Claire Kershaw-Young, lecturer in farm animal health, said: “The project required hard work, resilience, determination and enthusiasm, all of which Libbie had, enabling her to attain a grade of 89%. 

“She determined that ram semen has greater integrity when frozen at concentrations up to four times less than industry standards. 

“Libbie's dedication and passion for her research is evident. She worked tirelessly and meticulously with enthusiasm. 

“Libbie is now the Farms Solution Manager (Wiltshire and the South) for the Livestock Improvement Corporation. 

“She is using the knowledge acquired during her honours to now advise customers on the ideal breeding programmes to maximise profitability in their dairy herds.” 

The Texal Sheep Society Educational Award is given to the student who has attained the highest mark on a sheep production-related HRP. 

The Worship Company of Farmers Prize is presented to the best BSc/BSc (Hons) Agriculture final year student, with the top mark obtained for an investigational project. This year, Libbie and fellow graduate Andrew Harrison achieved this accolade, and therefore share the prize; Libbie and Andrew Harrison. 

Libbie is graduating with a first-class BSc Agriculture with Animal Science degree with honours.

She said: “I have enjoyed my work so much, and am proud to have achieved a Clyde Higgs Scholarship, the 2016 Texel Sheep Society Educational Award, the 2016 Worshipful Company of Farmers Prize, and a first-class honours degree. 

“I’ve also recently started my dream job for the Livestock Improvement Company, which enables me to visit farms throughout the south of England to try and help dairy farmers make their way in these difficult times using the skills I learnt at Harper Adams. 

“Every now and then, when I come up against what seems to be an insuperable hurdle, I remember that with a bit of hard work, and help from the good people you know, hurdles are there to be jumped!”

The Texel Sheep Society Educational Award was presented by Professor Liam Sinclair, on behalf of the society, and the Worshipful Company of Farmers Prize was presented by Thomas Wheatley-Hubbard.