Aimee is passionate about dairy farming. She has a keen interest in bovine genetics and wishes to work towards eliminating disease through genetic selection, ideally with a focus on zoonotic disease control.
Although she is not from a farming background, Aimee has got fully involved in the industry and has gained knowledge and practical experience during her time at college, university and working for local dairy farmers.
Quality and confidence
Devon farmer Richard Kallaway, chair of the WCDA said: “The quality and confidence shown by our finalists in their interviews was inspiring but what really shone through was their passion for the industry.
“I say it every year, but these finalists continue to show that the industry will be in safe hands for many years to come.
“Huge congratulations to Aimee on being named as this year’s winner.”
This year the charitable organisation distributed over £26,000 to young people looking to further their skills within the dairy industry.
Applicants were interviewed at county level with the best six chosen to move on to the finals day, which was hosted by Yeo Valley at their headquarters.
Breadth of dairy sector
The judges represented the breadth of the dairy sector with independent farmers, Yeo Valley and the NFU on the panel.
The WCDA were established in 1925 to provide grants to people studying dairy-related training courses. This year the charitable organisation distributed over £26,000 to young people looking to further their skills within the dairy industry. The awards are open to anyone living in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset or Dorset.
In addition to Aimee, the other finalists were: Daniel Brake (Somerset), Nicholas Bown (Somerset), Chloe Eyles (Devon), Jess Hugo (Cornwall) and Charlie Clifford (Cornwall).
The applicants came from a range of universities and colleges including Newcastle University, Harper Adams University, Bridgwater & Taunton College, and Duchy College.