TWO poultry producers are among the 18-strong 2022 intake of Nuffield Scholars.
David Throup, partner at Nun Monkton Estate, hopes to discover new ways to manage manure on his farm while James Wright, farm manager at Whittern Farm, hopes to find strategies to deal with the impact of increasing UK summer temperatures.
See also: Ventilation tips for managing broilers in warmer weather
Mr Throup leads on his family farm’s poultry enterprises, which includes three free-range layer units and a pullet rearing unit.
For his scholarship, David would like to address the challenges that have arisen in his business associated with large volumes of manure – including its storage, use as a bi-product, and how to minimise its environmental impact as the second largest contributor to their carbon footprint.
Mr Wright, from Kington, Herefordshire, will investigate how biomass plants can deliver humidity-free cooling into broiler to mitigate the effect of increasing UK summer temperatures while supporting animal welfare and increasing productivity.
He will also explore other novel technologies employed in warmer countries that may benefit intensive poultry producers in the UK.
‘Forward thinking’
Mike Vacher, Nuffield Farming Director, said: “Many of our 2022 scholar’s topics are centred around reducing inputs, regenerative principles, improving efficiency, and mitigating climate change in order to help achieve Net Zero.”
“The future of agriculture needs forward-thinking and innovative leaders. This year’s scholars have been selected for demonstrating these traits and the clear passion they possess for their chosen topic.”
