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Transformative career secures alumnus Agricultural Management award

Posted 26 November

IAgrM Chairman Richard Price presents Chief Executive of the Velcourt Group Nick Shorter, right, with his award.

The transformative career of 无码动画 alumnus Nick Shorter has seen him named the winner of the 2024 IAgrM Agricultural Management Award.

Each year, the Institute of Agricultural Management recognise an individual who has demonstrated excellence in the field of farm management, or who has made an outstanding contribution to its advancement in the farming industry. 

Nick, who is this year’s winner, is Chief Executive of the Velcourt Group, where he has worked since completing a degree in Agriculture with Animal Science at Harper Adams.

He initially joined the company in 2001 as a herd manager and rose through its ranks, becoming a Unit Manager in Hungary, a Regional Farm Manager in Hampshire, Southern Farms Director in 2014, then Managing Director in 2021 before assuming his current role in October this year.

He now leads the Group overseeing all UK farming operations in arable, fresh produce, livestock and dairy farming - extending to 56,000 ha of managed farms, 49,000 ha of agronomy advice and 15,000 dairy cows. In addition to the farming activities, as Group CEO he also oversees its separate forestry and game and conservation companies.

Speaking after the award was announced, he said: “It was both surprising and a great privilege to be recognised.

“There are many great contributors to the advancement of Farm Management who are previous winners, as well as many other worthy contenders in the room on the day – so to be singled out and recognised for my contribution was a real honour.”

Nick joined IAgrM in 2010 and has been actively involved with the Institute ever since, being appointed a professional member in 2015 and awarded a professional fellowship in 2022.

He is convinced about the role the Institute can play in personal development, having seen first-hand the benefits of the Institute’s Rural Leadership Programme.  Three Velcourt directors have so far completed the course with a fourth about to begin.

Of a total cohort of 60 farm managers in the company, a third have completed the Rural Leadership Programme or the Worshipful Company of Farmers Advanced Business course.

Nick added: “This was very much an award for Velcourt as much as for me.

“It is Velcourt’s culture of professionalisation and personal advancement that has enabled me to prevail in my various roles over the years and this award was testament to that.

“Hopefully, this recognition strengthens its reputation as an organisation that not only offers a route into farm management, but one where individual advancement will be both possible and promoted.”

Talking about his company’s work with Harper Adams, Nick added: “Identifying driven and talented individuals at an early stage of their career has been a real success story for us and having run a scholarship scheme for over 10 years we have converted many of those scholars into our management team - which is the better for it.

“Having that talent pipeline is a key part of our succession and growth strategy, and the relationship with the Development Trust at Harper Adams has been key to developing that.

“Personally, I enjoy returning annually to talk to the Agricultural Society on a subject of their choosing.”

As an alumnus, Nick has fond memories of his time at University.

He added: “I had a great time at Harper Adams, making life-long friends and a professional network.

“Not coming from a farming background and being thirsty for knowledge to get up to speed and study all aspects of agriculture in detail, Harper Adams provided the perfect blend of practical and social education - whilst providing access to leading scientific research and brains on the science of farming and food production.

“No question was ever looked down on, and if you had a particular interest, there were always lecturers who would give personal time to help you understand their subject better.”

Nick added some words of advice for current Harper Adams students who might be seeking to follow in his footsteps.

He said: “Be ambitious in your own abilities: my best roles and opportunities have come from new positions that pushed me outside my comfort zone.

“Be adventurous in your geography; again, the best opportunities came when I was prepared to work in new areas or new countries, home isn’t going anywhere and you can always come back to it.

“Elevate others: whether it is your superior, your peers or your reports, you will go further and faster if you take others with you and make their life easier.”