The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) Annual Awards Ceremony took place on the 24th of April, hosted by the New Holland Tractor Plant in Basildon, Essex.
Winners were presented with their awards to thank them for their contributions to the industry before enjoying a tour of the factory, which is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary.
The event concluded with a product walkaround of the Methane Powered New Holland tractor, and a Case IH Puma 260 CVXDrive tractor with the latest precision technology, as well as a demonstration of the company’s connected services.
CNH has sponsored two of the IAgrE Student Awards for over a decade. David Rapkins, CNH business director UK & ROI, said: “It’s incredibly important for us to support and encourage young talent into our industry; we’ve held this partnership for over a decade as we see the true value in celebrating the innovative ideas from the next generation. CNH leads the way in alternative fuels, and we offer plenty of opportunities for the younger generation – there’s no better time to be an agricultural engineer.”
Aled Beech, from North Wales, won the undergraduate award while studying at Harper Adams. Growing up on the family farm, his passion for engineering started at a young age.
“My dad has always been a competent mechanic and when things went wrong, we had to fix them, so it has always been a part of my life!” he said.
His winning project was the concept development of a controlled traffic farming bale chute to fit a large square baler. It uses a hydraulic system to offset the bales to the side of the tramlines to accommodate a bale chaser pickup.
Aled said: “I’d like to extend my greatest thanks to those at CNH and IAgrE for selecting me to win the undergraduate award for my dissertation/thesis demonstrating innovation and practical application in the land-based industry. I am extremely grateful and proud to be selected.”
When asked whether he had any advice for future students applying for the award, Aled
commented: “Recognise something you find interesting, and do it – ignore the barriers! Even if you lack some of the skills for the project, grab it by the horns and develop yourself as you go through it. Nothing is impossible, especially in agriculture where adaptability and working under pressure are part of day-to-day life.”
Winners of the Student Awards are invited to the CNH tractor plant and rewarded with a cash prize and the opportunity to intern with the company. One of last year’s winners now works within the precision technology team at Basildon.
The undergraduate and postgraduate awards are open to all Universities in the UK and Ireland and awarded to students whose dissertation or thesis best demonstrates innovation and practical application in the land-based industry.
Any students working on a final project who believe they might be suitable can find out more at www.iagre.org