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Six of Dorset’s most promising young farmers went head-to-head at Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College earlier this summer, competing for the coveted title of Agricultural Student of the Year – an accolade recognising both technical skill and industry knowledge.
The event, now in its tenth year, brought together top-performing second year students from the College’s Level 3 National Diploma in Agriculture course. After a rigorous year of assessments and practical work, six students were shortlisted for the finals.
The six finalists for Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College’s Agricultural Student of the Year competition pictured with the judges
This year’s competition was supported by local industry partners C&O Tractors and NFU Mutual Dorchester, who also sat on the judging panel and provided prizes for the top three finalists.
The finalists were tested across three key areas during the day, including a hands-on practical assessment with tractor driving and sheep scoring; a theory quiz, written by college tutors to reflect the full breadth of their agricultural studies; and a professional interview with an expert judging panel, who posed five industry-based questions to each student
Judging the competition were Matthew Holland of C&O Tractors, Lucy Ngapo of NFU Mutual Dorchester, Tim Gelfs, county chair of NFU Dorset, and Dorset farmer Nick Cobb, of JF Cobb & Sons.
After a close contest, the 2025 title was awarded to Gilbert Loader, winning a trophy and £200 worth of Massey Ferguson merchandise, with Dan Crabb and Zach Hurford named second and third respectively.
Winner Gilbert Loader is presented the trophy by Andy Daw, Head of Agriculture at Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College
Matthew Holland, from C&O Tractors, praised the standard of this year’s entries:
“We were fortunate enough to interview six excellent candidates a great mix of students who the College should be very proud of, their passion dedication and humour shone through.
“When our industry seems to be under a constant cloud, we really do need quality young people to drive it forward.
“Well done to not only the group we interviewed, but to all the level two and level three classes, as in my opinion they are all winners.”
Winner Gilbert Loader with second and third place Dan Crabb and Zach Hurford
The Agricultural Student of the Year competition was first launched in 2011, offering real-world recognition for students looking to enter the farming industry. Following a pause due to the pandemic, the College was proud to reinstate the competition in 2024, with this year marking a special tenth-anniversary celebration.
The competition also showcases the wide range of practical and academic learning offered through the College’s Agriculture courses, which continue to attract students from across the region looking to build a career in the rural industries.
Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College offers a strong network of industry links, hands-on learning with modern equipment and livestock, and a beautiful campus just outside Dorchester – the perfect environment to develop the next generation of farmers.
To find out more about Agriculture and land-based study opportunities at our Kingston Maurward campus, visit www.kmc.ac.uk