Rural housing issues a barrier to retiring farmers and new entrants

28 Oct 2019

A new report - Farmers, Retirement and Housing in the United Kingdom: A review of the issues, experiences and possible answers – looks at the impact of access to housing for retiring farmers, and the subsequent impact on the industry.

Released today by University College of Estate Management (UCEM), The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), The Prince’s Countryside Fund, Royal Agricultural University and Northumbrian Water Group, with support from a steering group including Addington Fund, the report identifies and examines the measures needed t

Gold medal-winning para athlete and life-saving rowers honoured by RAU

28 Oct 2019

A para athlete who excels at two different sports and rowers who rescued a drowning man were among the students honoured at our autumn Prizes and Awards celebration.

Suzanna Hext - who has won three European Gold medals in para dressage and World Silver and Bronze in para swimming - was made an Honorary Fellow of the RAU. Henry Jackson and Alfie England received Bravery Awards from the Royal Humane Society, for saving a man’s life while they were rowing in Gloucester canal.

Non-chemical approaches needed to stop weeds winning, agronomist warns

15 Oct 2019

Weeds are now tougher and harder to kill than ever, thanks to their increased resistance to herbicides, according to a leading agronomist.

New approaches are needed that tackle them without these chemicals, such as precision weed monitoring, electric and foam weed control, Dr Nicola Cannon of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) said.

New Global Animal Welfare Assurance launched to improve lives of farmed animals

10 Oct 2019

The RAU has a key role in a new initiative to improve the lives of farmed animals across the world.

Led by the University of Bristol, with support from Bristol Vet School and the RAU, the new Global Animal Welfare Assurance (GAWA) scheme launched on World Animal Day (4 October).

GAWA aims to share knowledge and best practice with farmers and food businesses to increase the proportion of animals farmed to high-welfare standards.

RAU crowned Enterprising Learning Provider of the Year

10 Oct 2019

The RAU has taken the title of Enterprising Learning Provider of the Year at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

The University won the prize at the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) and Institute for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (IOEE) awards this week (3 October).

The honour is given “in recognition of a learning provider that has delivered beyond its remit, meeting complex learner requirements and exceeding SFEDI and IOEE’s exacting standards”.

Student's research impresses professionals at Sheep Veterinary Congress

24 Sep 2019

A student’s research revealing the need for improved communication between vets and sheep farmers impressed delegates at a major industry conference.

Tayla Harding shared the results of a survey she devised and carried out for her Royal Agricultural University (RAU) dissertation with an audience of industry professionals at the Sheep Veterinary Congress this month.

Dame Fiona Reynolds - 'The Fight for Beauty' Lecture

04 Sep 2019

Join the RAU and CPRE Gloucestershire for a lecture from Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE (Master of Emmanuel College Cambridge and CPRE Gloucestershire Vice President) at 6pm on 18th September in the Parkinson Lecture Theatre at the Royal Agricultural University.

The lecture will build on the views expressed in her book 'The Fight for Beauty; Our Path to a Better Future' published in 2017.  This has made a considerable impact in drawing attention to the importance of our countryside and our need to protect it.

Results day advice for university applicants

13 Aug 2019

Students around the UK find out this week (Thursday 15 August) if they have a place at their chosen university, or if they may need to look for a course through Clearing.

Clearing (the process universities use to fill course vacancies) is now an important route to higher education for many students - including those who want to change choices or apply later, once they know their grades.

University walks with the farming community at Brighton Pride

09 Aug 2019

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) joined members of the farming community at the 2019 Brighton Pride parade, walking alongside a tractor resplendent in rainbow colours.

The RAU’s Director for Students, Julie Walkling and Governor Julie Robinson were among 300,000 people at the event, which promotes diversity and education and works to eliminate discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities.

New cattle hoof trimming courses launch at Rural Innovation Centre

06 Aug 2019

A new hoof trimming and lameness qualification has been launched to help industry professionals improve cattle welfare and management.

The first ‘Bovine Lameness and Professional Bovine Foot Trimming’ course, developed by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and the Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board (CHCSB) will begin on 2 September.