Cumbria farmers given scholarship to go to Oxford Conference

Luke Robinson, from Holmescales, and Will Huck will be attending the Oxford Farming Conference thanks to the Westmorland County Agricultural Society.

Described as a 'once in a lifetime opportunity', the conference will allow the pair to learn more about the future of farming and build their network of contacts.

A spokesperson from the society said: "The Oxford Farming Conference has always been, and always will be, a force for good in the farming industry and community.

"It brings together people from all corners of the agricultural, rural and food sectors, encourages a hugely diverse range of thinking, and generates ideas and positive solutions for the future."

The scholarship allows those nominated to attend the live conference and a one-day in-person training forum in London, as well as a series of online bespoke webinars that will be made exclusively available to the scholars.

Luke first attended a Westmorland County Show at less than a week old and his passion for farming has not abated since.

He is a junior member of the society and lives with his family on their dairy farm, whilst also being a keen YFC member and Kent Estuary Chairman.

Educated at QES Kirkby Lonsdale and earning a Triple Distinction Star in Agriculture at Myerscough College, Luke also enrolled at Newton Rigg College to do a Level Four Advanced Dairy Management Course in which he gained a Distinction.

Will currently lives on a family beef and sheep farm after working on a dairy farm in New Zealand. 

Having studied Agriculture at Myerscough College and attended the Royal Agricultural University at Cirencester, Will started working as a Farm Advisor back in the UK.

He worked on the Lune for Catchment Sensitive Farming until roughly a year ago, when he started as a Farm Advisor at NWA Professional.

The support from the Westmorland County Agricultural Society in connection with the conference has now been active for roughly three decades.