This week a handful of agriculture students have planted a small area of potatoes. In total there are 11 different varieties that the students have planted. These varieties will be trialed by the group looking at blight issues the crop may have and how each variety will yield given the lack of rain we are having at the moment.
Harry Smith (EDAG 2) said “The lack of moisture is going to be our biggest problem.”
Riseholme College students will compete against each other in a Dragon’s Den competition in April.
The event is part of the business curriculum and will include students from Agriculture, Equine and Animal Management courses. Learners must come up with an idea that is both innovative and beneficial.
The “Den” will consist of a Panel of business experts including Paul Collins from Lincoln based Belvoir Lettings who is also sponsoring the £150 cash first prize. Retford Saddlery are also sponsoring 3 runners up prizes each worth £60.
Riseholme College has entered a national agricultural competition entitled “Business Planner of the Year”.
This high profile challenge is organised by the Institute of Agricultural Management and sponsored by Farmers Weekly and Marks & Spencer’s.
It is open to further and higher education establishments around the country and the 2012 event will see 13 establishments compete against each other.
Riseholme College has entered a team of nine second year students who are currently studying the Extended Diploma in Agriculture.
The format requires submission of a business plan for diversification, asset and revenue growth using Farley Hills Estates, near Reading and their 2012 acres as the case study. The winning plan is selected by the estate owner Lord Bearsted and will be implemented.
The plan submission will be the 21st May with final judging the second week of June.
Team Riseholme participants are: Will Brooks, Andrew Boulton, Courtnery Cotton, Steven Dunnington, Jake Gill, Kirsten Hoggard, Nathan Page, Helena Rushby and Josh Watchorn.