A college student has been awarded a bursary to help her pursue her love for agriculture.

Kingston Maurward College student Lola Strawbridge has received £500 from the Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Further Education Bursary.

Lola is currently studying a Level 3 Agriculture course at the Dorchester college and wants to pursue a career in the dairy industry.

Having grown up on a farm, she is keen to advocate for the farming lifestyle and hopes to encourage others to find a love for it too.

In her application, she said: “My focus is trying to influence others to love this lifestyle just as much as I do. Yes, it is busy, and it is a lot of hard work, but there is also so much happiness that comes with the job. Farmers really are the backbone of the country.

“The bursary will help support my travel costs. I would also like to use it to gain either my telehandler ticket or to do an AI, foot trimming or calving course.”

Cornish Mutual Farming Insurance Experts was established in 1903 aiming to protect the south-west rural community.

The team award four bursaries every year to students studying at agricultural colleges across the region. 

The latest awards were expanded to include bursaries for students studying a Level 5 or 6 course together with one bursary winner selected to become the overall Cornish Mutual South West Agricultural Student of the Year.

Applicants for the Further Education bursaries were asked to explain ‘Why I am studying agriculture’ with entries judged by a panel including Cornish Mutual Managing Director Peter Beaumont.

Mr Beaumont said: “Our bursary programme is now in its third year, and we have continued to be impressed by the quality of applicants.

“In her entry, Lola demonstrated why she is so passionate about the agricultural industry and how she hopes to make a career for herself in dairy.”

The Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries are part of the Future Farming Programme, which supports the future of agriculture in the region.

More information about Cornish Mutual and the bursaries can be found on their website:  https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/cmfuturefarming/young-farmer-bursaries/