Duchy College Students Awarded Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries

Two students from Duchy College have been awarded Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries, recognising their commitment to the future of agriculture and their ambition to help build a more sustainable and resilient industry.

Henry van den Broek has received a £500 Further Education Bursary, while Holly May has been awarded a £750 Higher Education Bursary to support her studies.

Henry van den Broek

📷Henry van den Broek, recipient of the Cornish Mutual Further Education Bursary for Duchy College.

Henry van den Broek is studying T Level Agriculture and comes from a non farming background. He has already gained hands on experience working on a 450 cow New Zealand style dairy farm in Cornwall.

His interest in regenerative and pasture based systems, alongside his belief that agriculture can help mitigate climate change, has shaped his decision to pursue a career in the sector.

“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,” said Henry.

Henry plans to use the bursary to fund additional qualifications to improve his employability. His long term aim is to work as an agronomist or consultant specialising in regenerative systems, alongside running his own beef and sheep enterprise.

Holly May

📷Holly May, recipient of the Cornish Mutual Higher Education Bursary for Duchy College.

Holly May was awarded the Higher Education Bursary after impressing judges with her vision for the future of British agriculture and the role she hopes to play in it.

Growing up on her family’s 400 acre beef farm, Holly developed a passion for livestock and land management from an early age. She also spoke about her determination to challenge traditional perceptions around women in farming.

Holly has also been announced as a student member of the Cornwall College Group Board of Governors, where she will represent the views of students.

“The next generation of farmers will play a vital role in shaping a stronger, more sustainable and more inclusive industry,” said Holly. “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.”

Her long term ambition is to establish her own suckler herd built on high welfare standards, efficient grassland management and environmental stewardship. She plans to use the bursary to invest in skills and equipment that will help her take on greater responsibility within the family business and beyond.

Supporting future farmers

Now in its fifth year, the Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries support agricultural students across the South West.

“The bursaries are really important to our students,” said Duchy College Senior Study Programme Manager in Agriculture Georgie Radmore. “It allows them to fund short courses and certificates to support them in the workplace and their future careers, while also recognising the importance of agriculture as a subject.”

The bursaries are judged by a panel including Cornish Mutual Chief Executive Officer Peter Beaumont.

“Supporting young people who are passionate about the future of farming is essential,” said Peter. “Both Henry and Holly showed real insight, ambition and a willingness to help agriculture evolve for the better.”

The Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries form part of the Future Farming Programme, which supports the future of agriculture across the region. More information is available on the Cornish Mutual website.

📷Duchy College students Henry van den Broek (L) & Holly May (R).