Harper Adams University Achieves Historic Double Win in Dairy Awards

Harper Adams University, a leading institution specializing in agricultural education, has reached a significant milestone with a historic double victory at the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) dairy awards. This momentous win was announced during this year’s Dairy Tech Conference.

The University's Future Farm dairy team was awarded the prestigious Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ Gold Cup, a recognition given to the UK’s top dairy business showcasing all-around excellence. Notably, this marks the first time in history that Harper Adams has contested this award since it was first presented in 1920.

Expressing her delight, Kate Robinson, the Ruminant Sector Manager for the Future Farm team, stated: "I am incredibly proud to be able to say the farm team at Harper Adams Future Farm has won the RABDF Gold Cup 2025. It was a pleasant surprise, considering the tough competition."

Adding to the university's triumph, final year BSc (Hons) Agriculture student, Matthew Butterfield, was named RABDF Dairy Student of the Year. Matthew, from Wimborne in Dorset, is currently working on a research project focusing on reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle. His achievement marks the tenth occasion in which a student from Harper Adams has won the award over the past eleven years.

Matthew's journey into agriculture began unexpectedly when a friend's father invited him to work on their farm. From there, his interest in the dairy sector flourished, eventually leading him to Harper Adams. Reflecting on his accolade, Matthew shared: "I’m absolutely buzzing! It hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but it was a great privilege to receive the award and to fulfill a goal I had set for myself. All I can think now, is onwards and upwards!"