A Harper Adams University student has been crowned RABDF Dairy Student of the Year 2026, taking home the prestigious award, sponsored by ForFarmers, at Dairy-Tech today (4 February).
Henry Gibson, a BSc (Hons) Agriculture student from Honiton, Devon, was named the 2026 winner after competing against five other finalists in a closely fought contest.
The rigorous judging process included completing a detailed case study appraisal prepared by Kite, part of the Asterra Group, followed by a presentation to an expert judging panel at the Farmers’ Club in London. Finalists were asked to set out their vision for where the dairy industry will be in 10 years’ time, identifying key challenges, opportunities and future scale.
This marks the 11th time in the past 12 years that a Harper Adams University student has secured the award. Henry was presented with a £750 cheque and trophy at the event.
Runner-up, in what judges described as a very close second, was Caitlin Jugg, a fourth-year veterinary student from the University of Surrey.
The competition, run by Dairy-Tech organiser the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), is designed to highlight challenges faced by the dairy industry while identifying rising stars and future industry leaders.
This year’s judging panel comprised RABDF Chairman Robert Craig, Richard Greasley of ForFarmers, and Kaia Hillsmith from Kite, part of the Asterra Group.
Commenting on the high standard of entries, RABDF Chairman Robert Craig said: “The competition has become highly regarded across the dairy industry due to the calibre of students entering each year. The optimism and enthusiasm shown by applicants is incredibly encouraging for the future of the sector. It was particularly pleasing to see students from a wide range of disciplines, from agriculture to veterinary science.”
Richard Greasley, Technical Manager at ForFarmers, said Henry was a very deserving winner: “His passion and presentation were excellent, and his enthusiasm for the dairy industry going forward was infectious.”
He added that Caitlin Jugg had finished a very close second: “Her presentation style and delivery were very interesting and refreshingly novel. There were only a couple of points between them on my scoresheet.”
The remaining finalists were Freddie Myatt and Ellie McCutcheon (Harper Adams University), Hannah Davis (fourth-year veterinary student, Bristol Veterinary School), and Aimee Gegg (Duchy College).
Mr Greasley said the calibre of entries this year was outstanding. “It is incredibly encouraging to meet such a talented group of young people who are keen to be part of the UK dairy industry. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I left feeling very positive about the future of the sector being in such capable hands.”
For more news from Dairy-Tech 2026, visit www.dairy-tech.uk.
About RABDF
RABDF is the sole UK charity dedicated to the needs of dairy farmers. Established in 1876, it is the only dairy organisation to hold a Royal Patronage. RABDF is the organiser of the Dairy-Tech event.