Fred Ransford is studying Mechanical Engineering at Harper Adams University.
“I am not from a farming background but living next to a goat farm near Forde Abbey I do have a good idea of what goes on. I do love the countryside and ride racehorses every morning before Uni! I had considered training to become a vet but finally decided that mechanical engineering would give me more career scope and opportunities. The sophisticated technologies that are now being used in agriculture are amazing and changing all the time, and include such things as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images and GPS technology. Harper Adams is recognised for being leaders in agricultural innovation – their impressive Hands-Free Hectare project is the first in the world to grow, tend and harvest a crop without operator in the driving seats or agronomists on the ground! Although there is theory, the course is very practical with lots of hands on experiences, it also includes a year out in industry which I feel is particularly important.
I am now about to start my second year and have been fortunate to receive the Melplash Agricultural Society bursary since I started the course. It really does help with so many things – accommodation, bills, food and travel expenses and also enables me to go on engineering trips, last year to the CAT factory.