Cornish Mutual bursaries awarded to young farmers across the South West
Cornish Mutual has announced the latest recipients of its Young Farmer Bursaries, recognising six agriculture students from across the South West for their enthusiasm for farming and commitment to shaping the future of the industry.
Now in its fifth year, the bursary programme provides financial support to students studying agriculture-based courses, helping them gain new experiences, develop essential skills and take the next steps towards their future careers in farming.
The bursaries were judged by a panel including Cornish Mutual Chief Executive Officer Peter Beaumont, who said: “The Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries celebrate the talented young people who are the future of our industry. Supporting students who are committed to developing their skills and helping agriculture evolve is essential.”
Higher Education Bursaries
Holly May – Duchy College
Holly impressed the judges with her vision for the future of British agriculture and her ambition to contribute to a stronger, more sustainable industry, while challenging the traditional perceptions around women in farming. Growing up on her family’s 400-acre beef farm shaped her interest in livestock and land management.
“The next generation of farmers will play a vital role in shaping a stronger, more sustainable and more inclusive industry. My goal is to be one of them, contributing to the future of British beef farming through innovation, responsibility and a commitment to continuous learning.”
Holly Sampson – University Centre Somerset
Holly is a first-year agriculture student who grew up on a mixed beef and sheep farm. She is passionate about ensuring farming remains productive and profitable while adapting to climate pressures, policy change and evolving sustainability expectations.
“The future of UK agriculture is entering a period of profound change, and I’m beginning to understand how science, technology and policy can shape a more sustainable and productive future for British farming.”
Further Education Bursaries
Eleanor Pownall – Bicton College
Eleanor, who is studying an Agricultural T Level in Livestock Production, comes from a farming background but decided to move away from home to study, to build confidence, develop her knowledge and create new opportunities in a sector she loves. She plans to use the bursary to attend farming conferences, broaden her understanding of industry change and support essential course costs.
“It has always been my goal to work in and improve the agricultural industry, it's what I was brought up around and have always had a passion for.”
Henry van den Broek – Duchy College
Henry is studying T-Level Agriculture and, despite not coming from a farming background, has already gained experience working on a 450-cow New Zealand-style dairy farm in Cornwall. He has an interest in regenerative agriculture and hopes to play a role in agriculture’s transition towards more sustainable practices.
“Farming is entering the most important transition point it has seen in generations, and I want to be at the forefront of helping shape that change.”
Scarlett Hoskin – Coastland College
Scarlett grew up on her family’s beef, sheep and arable farm and is now studying for a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Agriculture. Her work experience has inspired her ambition to pursue a career in land agency.
“Living on a farm has taught me many things. You see the challenges and accomplishments. These experiences have made me realise that farming is not just a job, it is a person’s way of life.”
Jack Tolman – Bridgwater & Taunton College
Growing up on a mixed family farm, Jack developed a love for farming from a young age, and he is now studying a Level 2 course in Agriculture. He is focused on building the skills and knowledge needed to strengthen the long-term future of his family’s farm.
“I have loved farming since I was a small child. I was always in the tractor with my grandad learning, and I want to make him proud and keep everything he and his family have worked for.”
The Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries form part of the Future Farming Programme, which supports the long-term future of agriculture across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. To find out more, visit:
Young Farmer Bursaries | Cornish Mutual