Agricultural student from Barnby-in-the-Willows makes the final of the annual British Farming Awards 2019

An agricultural student from Barnby-in-the-Willows is a finalist in this year’s British Farming Awards.

Josie Troop, 21, of Ivy Cottage, is one of four finalists in the agricultural student of the year category.

Josie is about to start the fourth and final year of her degree course in agri-food marketing with business at Harper Adams University, Shropshire. The three other finalists are all studying at the same university.

After entering the awards herself, she was told two weeks ago that she had been selected as a finalist. She had an interview last week, and will find out in October if she has won.

She said on her Twitter feed: “I can finally spill the beans to say that I am a finalist in the British Farming Awards. To have been shortlisted for the agricultural student of the year award has blown my mind and I’m excited for things to come.”

Josie, who grew up on a beef and arable farm, impressed the judges with her determination to pass on her passion for farming to the next generation by giving talks in schools.

“That link between farms and schools is missing, and I am hoping to change that,” she said.

Josie is also an active member of Collingham YFC, and has set up exchange visits through the club.

She has just completed a placement year at 2 Sisters Food Group, where she was given opportunities to spread the word about farming at events such as Open Farm Sunday.

The award winners will be announced on October 17 in Birmingham.

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