Two students from Cranfield and Harper Adams Universities have won industry awards, sponsored by CNH Industrial and the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE).

The two awards, directed at undergraduates and post-graduates, are made in recognition of a dissertation/thesis that demonstrates innovation and practical application in the land-based industry.

Iain Dummett receives his award from Professor Jane Rickson President of IAgrE and Rob Alker of CNH Industrial

Post Graduate Iain Dummett of Cranfield University won £500 for his thesis “Evaluating strip tillage practices for sustainable UK arable agriculture” and Undergraduate William Hitchcock of Harper Adams University won £250 for his thesis “Quantifying the effects of a pre-cleaning chaser system on sugar beet recover.”

Both winners receive a trophy for their respective universities to hold for one year, a VIP visit to the New Holland tractor plant in Basildon, also home to the UK headquarters of CNH Industrial, the brand’s parent company, and internship opportunities.

William Hitchcock receives his award from Professor Jane Rickson and Rob Alker

Rob Alker, current product improvement manager at CNH Industrial said, “The future of our industry relies on nurturing the best engineers to design and build the products of the future and our partnership with IAgrE strengthens this possibility.”

Alastair Taylor CEO of IAgrE said, “We believe this is a great opportunity to reward the innovation and hard work of students in higher education.”

The awards took place at the Institution’s annual award presentation event at the National Fluid Power Centre in Worksop.