Georgie Gater-Moore, studying agriculture at Harper Adams University College, has become the Guild’s first Student Friend.
This new membership category was included in the Articles of Association and Bylaws when the Guild became a Company limited by Guarantee, enabling students studying full-time on an agriculture, horticulture or related course to forge links with the organisation and its members.
“I hope that becoming a Student Friend will allow me to make valuable contacts and to get involved with the variety of opportunities on offer through membership of the Guild,” says Georgie.
In addition to her agriculture studies at Harper Adams, she has a small flock of 15 breeding ewes to look after, including four pedigree Jacobs.
“A lot of people have asked me why I chose to study agriculture, not always in a positive manner,” says Georgie. “I’m not from a farming family, and my A Levels definitely wouldn’t suggest an interest in agriculture – English Literature, Classical Civilisation and Drama!”
However, she has been involved with farming, in particular sheep work, since the age of 13.
“My first lambing season involved feeding caid lambs and getting involved as much as I could,” she recalls. “I’ve now completed three full lambing seasons, the most recent being with my current part-time employer.
“In the years between my first lambing season at 13, and my most recent aged 19, I have completed GCSEs, A Levels, started at University, worked full time on the same farm for two consecutive summers, and started my own flock of sheep.”
Buying the flock of sheep was her most significant personal achievement to date, she suggests, having spent months researching breeds, logistics and legislation, and after receiving payment for her work experience with The Shooting Times in London.
“I bought my first eight ewes from the farmer who then offered me a job,” Georgie adds. “That was in 2014, and I now have my small flock, which has confirmed in my own mind that I want to pursue a career in agriculture.
“It was clear to me that Harper was the place I wanted to be; the course, the campus, the people – I had never experienced anything like it, and it seemed like the perfect place to further my knowledge of all things farming. Getting a degree was extremely important to me, because despite my passion for livestock and practical farming, I also enjoy writing, which is why I started my Come By blog.
“From a very young age I have wanted to be a journalist, and combining my love for farming with my love for writing is what I want to do as a career,” she concludes.
Note: Contact details for all new Members and Friends of the Guild are published in the eAlerts archived under Member Communications on this website.
