Katie Ackland from Broadclyst has won the RABDF Dairy Student of the Year Award. The final year student from Harper Adams University beat six other finalists and one of the highest number of entries to scoop the award. The rigorous application process included writing a 1,500-word essay on a case study and delivering a presentation to the judges over Zoom. The competition run by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers is designed to reflect real life challenges seen on dairy farms and wider policy issues as well as identifying some of the sectors rising stars and new entrants. Katie, who takes home £750 and a trophy said on winning the award: “I am absolutely delighted to have won. From growing up on my family dairy farm in Devon, through to completing my placement year on a dairy farm in Kent, I have always loved working and being involved within the dairy sector. Winning this award will give me a great opportunity to be recognised within the industry.”