OCTOBER 2026
Search for Dairy’s Rising Stars as Entries Open for 2027 Student Competition
The search for the dairy industry’s rising stars is underway as entries open for the 2027 RABDF Dairy Student of the Year Award, sponsored by ForFarmers. Open to students studying at universities and colleges across the UK, the competition recognises those demonstrating the knowledge, enthusiasm and practical thinking needed to help shape the future of dairy. The winner will receive a £750 cash prize and the opportunity to gain recognition from peers, prospective employers and the wider dairy industry. How to enter
A case study can be downloaded from the RABDF website at www.rabdf.co.uk/awards. Students are asked to submit a response of no more than 1,500 words by 12 November 2026. Entries must be submitted with a nomination form completed by a university or college course leader. Six finalists will be selected and invited to an interview and presentation at The Farmers Club, London, on 2 December 2026, where they will give a 15-minute presentation on ‘The UK dairy industry in 10 years’ time’ to a panel of judges. The winner will be announced at Dairy-Tech 2027 on Wednesday 3 February 2027 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, with two finalists also invited to take part in a panel discussion ahead of the announcement. RABDF Chair Tim Downes said: “The high calibre of students entering each year is encouraging for the future of our industry. We look forward to seeing this year’s applicants respond to the practical case study and share their ideas for the future of dairy.”
Alison Ewing from ForFarmers, said: “It is crucial that we encourage, develop and promote high-calibre people entering the industry. We need young people who can develop innovative and practical solutions to the technical, management and sustainability challenges facing modern dairy farming. We look forward to seeing this year’s entries and meeting the shortlisted finalists.”
Source: industry press release.