Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) was pleased to welcome Sir Ashley Fox, MP for Bridgwater, to its Cannington campus.

Claire Winson, Head of Animal and Environmental Sciences, and George Stickley, Farm Manager, guided Sir Ashley on a tour of Rodway Farm, explaining the complexities of operating a commercial farm as a College.

Sir Ashley was also keen to discuss the broader issues faced by the British agriculture industry, and invited messages for Parliament from both Claire and George. Topics included funding for FE colleges, the importance of British agriculture for food security, and encouraging young people into the industry.

The tour took in the farm’s dairy and beef units, where Sir Ashley met some of the 250-strong Holstein herd. George described the extensive measures that are taken to maintain cow health and milk quality, including the installation of ceiling fans in the barns to maintain temperature and regular foot trimming to prevent disease.

Sir Ashley Fox MP said,

I was delighted to visit BTC in Cannington. The courses they offer are vital in ensuring that our next generation of farmers are able to cope with an ever more challenging marketplace.

The visit showcased the pivotal role that BTC and University Centre Somerset (UCS) play in upskilling farm workers and bringing education to the forefront of farm operations in the south west. Claire explains,

We were pleased to show Sir Ashley the facilities at the Cannington campus, which are amongst the best in the country for land-based education and are supporting the current and next generation of UK farmers.

Now more than ever, it’s important that there is access to education that equips the agriculture industry with skills and knowledge to help ensure the future of farms and British food production.

For more information on our Cannington campus and BTC’s multitude of educational offerings, please visit www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice team by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.