My Year in Industry Experience - Molly Harrison

I am currently completing my integrated year in industry as part of my BSc Agriculture at Aberystwyth University…on the other side of the world!

What makes my story a little different is that I didn’t grow up on a farm - in fact, no one in my family has a farming background. My interest in agriculture only began when I joined my local Young Farmers' Club at 18. Seeing the passion and job satisfaction that so many members had from their work in the industry made me curious to learn more.

That curiosity eventually led me to apply for university, and after considering my options, I chose to study Agriculture at Aberystwyth. During my first two years, I gained some early experience working on a dairy farm alongside my studies. This taught me so much in a short space of time and confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in this industry.

I always knew I wanted to do a year in industry to gain more hands-on experience and help prepare me for the working world after graduation. At first, I looked at opportunities across the UK, but deep down, I hoped I could go abroad, even though the idea was pretty daunting! Until recently, I’d never been abroad or even on a plane before!

That’s when I came across the Rich Wigram Dairy Farming Scholarship, which offers students the chance to work on a dairy farm in New Zealand, with flights and support provided. I applied on a whim, never expecting to be successful… but it was! I’m so grateful to Tim and the scholarship team for giving me this opportunity, I really can’t recommend it enough.

I arrived in Invercargill, New Zealand at the end of July 2024 and have been working for Sam and Jenna Hodsell ever since. They run a 300-hectare dairy farm with over 600 milking cows, milked twice daily. I’ve learned so much from them, they’re incredibly knowledgeable and supportive.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. From never having farmed before to helping manage the farm when Sam and Jenna are away, creating grazing plans for the cows, driving tractors and motorbikes, and all the day-to-day tasks of dairy farming - I’m honestly quite proud of myself!

Life outside of farming has been just as exciting. New Zealand truly lives up to its reputation as ‘God’s Country’ with its stunning scenery. I’ve joined the local Young Farmers' Club and even taken on an executive role. I also take part in Southland’s Surfing for Farmers each week - I can now stand up on a surfboard for about a second (progress!).

This experience has been life-changing. After I graduate, I’d love to return to New Zealand and explore even more of what the country and its agricultural sector have to offer. I also hope to broaden my experience by working in different areas of farming. However, in the near future, I am looking forward to returning to Aberystwyth to complete my final year of studies.

Learn more about our Agriculture courses here.