A STUDENT from Askham Bryan College has won the inaugural College Challenge presented by the Beef Shorthorn Society.

Charlie Smith, a final year student studying Level 4 Agriculture is from a suckler beef and sheep farm near Runswick Bay. He received £1,000 and his college was also awarded £1,000 towards a beef educational project.

The other two finalists were teams studying Level 3 extended diploma agriculture from Bishop Burton College – Megan McNivern and Fiona Bland – and from Coleg Llysfasi.

FE students studying agriculture were invited by the Beef Shorthorn Society to use multi-channel media to discuss the future of suckler beef production.

Following a herd visit, the finalists gave a presentation to demonstrate their understanding of the industry, the challenges it faces, and how farmers need to respond.

The judges featured Jodie Bolland, Morrison’s livestock and farming development manager; Dr Graeme Cooke, deputy UK chief veterinary officer; Sally Horrell, Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society president; and Chris Mallon, National Beef Association chief executive.

Charlie said: "Winning this award was a big surprise. I really enjoyed researching the suckler beef sector in detail, the farm visit to find out more about the Beef Shorthorns as a functional suckler cow and then the experience of the interview in front of industry experts. I’d like to use my award to travel overseas to further my farming experience."

Judge Jodie Bolland said they were impressed by the students’ level of commitment to understanding the challenges for the beef industry, along with their passion and level of optimism for the future.

"Charlie Smith had the edge," she said. "He was an outstanding FE student demonstrating he knows the industry in detail.

"We liked the fact that following a visit to a Beef Shorthorn herd at Appleton Mill as part of the award exercise, he returned to the family farm inspired by ideas to make changes that will help towards improving its sustainability and profitability."