Edward Evans

Hi, I’m Ed Evans and I’m in my third year of the BSc Agriculture degree at Hartpury University.

Why I chose Hartpury

Following a successful career as freelance tree surgeon running my own business, I got to a point where I couldn’t see any more personal progression and wanted a new challenge.

I felt like university, and agriculture, was calling me. I had gained a lot of industry experience. My next goal was to gain the academic qualification and expertise to progress my career further.

I came to visit for the NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials and loved the campus and the farm. Shortly afterwards I applied, had my interview and I had a place! Now I’m partway through my third-year dissertation and I’ve achieved things I didn’t think I ever would.

An insight into agriculture

I chose the BSc Agriculture degree because it gives me an insight into all areas of agriculture. By developing a broad understanding, I’ll be really versatile and able to step into a business role.

The course is brilliant. It’s a good balance of theory and hands-on experience. It may not be practical every day, but you see all aspects of agriculture in action.

My favourite part of the degree is learning about agricultural technology. When I’m working with the machinery, I’m at my best. In my first year agricultural technology module, I found myself really getting into my own.

Discovering career opportunities

As part of the degree we’ve visited plenty of different farms to experience a variety of different techniques and technological advancements, across all aspects of agriculture.

I’m not from a farming background, but that doesn’t matter. Hartpury has helped me to discover that there is such a diverse range of roles in agriculture, from working in the supply chain to the latest agriculture technology.

Not only have I learnt what they are and how to get to them, but I can actually see myself doing them in the future, which is very exciting. I think that’s down to how motivating the degree content and the lecturers are, in encouraging you to follow our passion.

Staff are on your side

We have some really knowledgeable lectures and staff working on the farm. They know so much about their subjects, and are always happy to share their experience and answer our questions.

The lecturers have a wide contact base, which is a great source of agricultural businesses to contact for placements, and they’re happy to talk about your career options. I feel they’re a guiding hand to help you achieve your best potential.

They put their heart and soul into everything they do. Their door is always open, for face-to-face or online appointments during Covid-19, and the extra support they give shows they’re on your side.

When looking for placements, the Innovation, Careers and Enterprise (ICE) team are brilliant at helping you to explore your options and find work experience that suits your career plan.

Prepared for the future

The agriculture degree enables you to explore all different areas of the industry. Hartpury gives you the options and you make the decision from there.

For me, I’d like a career in agricultural consultancy or technology. There are some big changes in agricultural policy right now, so it’s exciting to see the career opportunities coming out of this.

I’m really interested in helping farmers improve and become more efficient using technology. I believe it’s really important to future proof the industry. To find ways to produce higher yield in a sustainable and more cost effective way.

I’m looking forward to starting my career, getting my foot on the ladder and seeing where it takes me – wherever it is, I know I couldn’t have got there without my degree from Hartpury.

Hear from Ed

Listen to our podcast with Ed to hear what it’s like to study BSc Agriculture at Hartpury University. Since coming back to education from a successful career as a self-employed tree surgeon, he’s discovered a world of career opportunities in agricultural technology and consultancy.