STUDENTS studying at unversities and colleges are being encouraged to enter the 2024 Dairy Student Awards. 

The awards, run by RABDF and sponsored by ForFarmers, have been running for more than a decde and aim to highlight the industry's 'next wave of aspiring stars'. 

To enter a student, university and college course leaders should email ambermckay@rabdf.co.uk with the nominee's details.

Students entering the award must then prepare an essay response to a case study, which has been put together by Kite Consulting and reflects real-life farming challenges.

Essays must be submitted by Friday, November 17. Then a panel of judges will pick finalists to join them for a formal interview and presentation at The Farmers Club in London on December 8. The presentations must outline how the dairy industry might need to change to meet the challenges of the future.

Newly elected RABDF Chairman Robert Craig will be joined on the judging panel this year by Cara Green from ForFarmers – the award’s new sponsor, and Kaia Hillsmith from Kite Consulting.

Mr Craig said: “The optimism and enthusiasm towards the industry is clear to see from the applicants and is encouraging for the sector's future success.

"We look forward to receiving this year's entries to see the applicant's suggestions as they respond to a practical case study scenario."