The 2024 BGAJ John Deere Training Award winner has been announced as Tori Charlton, with Caryl Davies claiming the runner-up place.
Tori is currently an Assistant Professor in Livestock Production at the University of Nottingham and has a keen interest in technical writing within the agricultural sector.
Tori’s winning article ‘Biosecurity prevents swine dysentery and boosts profits’ talks about the concern in the rise of cases of swine dysentery across the country, the risks it poses to farmers, and the advice outlined by APHA and NPA on how to mitigate the risks of infection.
Tori’s top prize was £250 and a guest ticket to the Guild’s annual Harvest Service and Lunch in London on 10 October.
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- Tori Charlton wins 2024 John Deere Training Award
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- Caryl Davies, runner up in the John Deere Training Award 2024
Runner-up Caryl Davies was a student at Aberystwyth University studying Agriculture and Animal Science before graduating this year. She comes from a farming background and works on her family farm when not at university.
Her article ‘Profitability from Pedigrees in Pembrokeshire’ talks about the renewed attention that high-quality colostrum is gaining among vets, farmers and researchers, and studies involving different herds of cattle and the quality of colostrum that they produce.
As runner-up, Caryl wins £100 and joined Tori in attending the Guild’s Harvest Lunch in London.
Sponsored by John Deere and held at the company’s UK headquarters in Nottinghamshire, the Guild’s training course and award provides opportunities for trainees to progress into agricultural journalism.
Chris Wiltshire, John Deere’s Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “A huge congratulations to both Tori and Caryl. It’s fantastic to see the training course develop talented journalists and help them progress in their skills, ultimately helping them on their career path.”
The course gives an immersive introduction to the world of journalism and previously has helped to produce some of the leading editors, correspondents and communications leaders working in the industry today.
The 2024 BGAJ John Deere Training Course was held in July at John Deere’s head office in Langar Nottinghamshire, with 11 attendees taking the next steps in their careers.
The three-day course was led by professional journalism tutor and journalist David Mascord and featured two guest speakers – Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley and Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay.
Attendees also had a ride and drive experience, with the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a range of John Deere tractors.
Marina Schjoett won the 2023 training award, with Ellie Layton winning the 2022 award.
Applications for the 2025 training course will open soon. If you would like to receive an application form as soon as they are available, email johndeere@evecommunications.co.uk.
The 2025 course will be held from 6-8 July.
