The Royal Agricultural College is celebrating the success of three students who have been shortlisted for the Farmers Guardian ‘Agricultural Student of the Year 2011-2012’. Tom Coate, Emma Fairweather, and James Miller have all demonstrated a tenacious and entrepreneurial approach to their studies, which is particularly inspirational in the current climate.

A chance to travel the world and learn more about international agriculture saw a record number of entries for the 2012 award, resulting in seven students from a range of institutions being shortlisted. The competition is aimed to better a young person’s chance in forging a successful career in agriculture. To enter the competition, the students had to be between the ages of 18 and 25, and be in full time education.

The three students from the Royal Agricultural College, all studying BSc Agriculture, have demonstrated a diverse range of skills and achievements, but are all enthusiastic advocates for the study of agriculture. Tom Coate, from Bridgwater in Somerset, decided to use his entrepreneurial skills to build up a flock of his own ewes to help fund his way through university. The lambs sold this year have contributed towards the cost of his tuition fees; a strategy he intends to repeat next year. Although not from a traditional farming background, Emma Fairweather, has shown great tenacity to pursue her dreams of a career in farming. Originally from Cirencester, she changed career paths from a full-time carer to a full-time agricultural student in order to pursue her true passion - a career in the land-based sector. James Miller who is a multi-tasker, developing a range of skills to take back to the home farm in Okehampton, Devon, where he plays a key role in helping the family's to become fully self-sufficient. All three demonstrate a passion for the role education has to play in addressing some of the pressing global issues around sustainability and food security that we are all facing today.

The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to choose a seven, nine or 11 month work placement in the USA, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. The exclusive work placement, worth £3,000, is being provided by AgriVenture, an international organisation responsible for helping more than 30,000 young people embark on a trip of a lifetime.

The finalists will be invited to Stoneleigh to give a presentation about themselves, their experiences and why they should be considered for ‘Agricultural Student of the Year 2011-2012’, with the winner being announced on Friday 23^rd March.

To help support the fantastic achievement of the three students, please visit Farmers Guardian to vote before Friday 2^nd March.