Agricultural Student of the Year Graduates

A Bangor University student graduating this week will never forget the amazing feeling of receiving his degree results.Huw DaviesHuw Davies

Former Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni pupil, Huw Emrys Mitford Davies, 24, from Llangefni, Anglesey will be graduating with a BSc Agriculture, Conservation and Environment Degree.

Huw said: “I live on the family farm near Llangefni on Anglesey. I worked throughout my degree at home on the farm with my father which was a good challenge, to balance work at home with my university studies. Playing hockey for Bangor City is what takes place on most weekends as well as following Welsh rugby regionally and nationally. 

“The main reason for choosing Bangor was the course itself and living fairly local to Bangor. The course gives you a broad knowledge into the different aspects of modern agriculture with a focus on environmental management and conservation. Talking with past and present graduates was also useful which gave an insight into the degree and what was expected of you as a student.

“There were several interesting modules available in the degree. The two that stand out is the Management Plan and the GIS & Research Methods module. The Management Plan enabled me to understand the processes in the new GLASTIR scheme that will be introduced by the Welsh Government and it put the onus on “you” to develop a plan for your “own” farm which was the University Farm at Henfaes, Abergwyngregyn. The GIS & Research Methods module enabled me to produce maps on the computer as well as extract data such as field area, boundary and elevation. In many jobs advertised especially in agriculture or conservation, GIS is an essential tool an employer looks for. 

“My main highlight was been privileged enough to be selected as Dr Richard Phillips Agriculture Student of the Year 2013.  I was interviewed by a panel on my knowledge and understanding of agriculture and will receive the award Monday, 22nd of July at the Royal Welsh Show.

“My future goals are to expand the farming business at home through the knowledge I received from Bangor University through increasing the ewe flock, I will also be looking at ways to diversify without having any adverse effect on the farm business.” 

Publication date: 12 July 2013