A veterinary technician from East Yorkshire, Nicola Bowers, has been awarded a prestigious international scholarship to advance practices in pig production. Sponsored by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS), Bowers will receive a Nuffield Farming Scholarship, enabling her to study innovative management strategies for piglets within flexible farrowing systems.
The scholarship, which has been supporting agricultural leaders since 1980, allows recipients to travel abroad, engage with fellow professionals, and explore modern developments in agriculture. Allister Nixon, Chief Executive Officer of the YAS, expressed pride in Bowers’ focus on the pig sector, stating, “Pig production is a significant part of Yorkshire’s diverse farming industry, particularly in East Yorkshire, and it is fantastic that Nicola has chosen this vital topic for her Nuffield study.”
Bowers has a strong foundation in veterinary medicine and animal welfare. She has specialized in pig veterinary care and farrowing consultancy, initially gaining experience at Garth Vets in Driffield. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and she conducted research on free farrowing at Newcastle University early in her career.
As Bowers prepares for her scholarship journey, she highlighted her commitment to the evolving pig industry. “The pig industry has weathered countless challenges, yet it continues to adapt and evolve,” she said. “Through my Nuffield Scholarship, I hope to contribute to that evolution, helping ease the transition into the future and ensuring the resilience and sustainability of the sector I’ve come to love.”
Bowers aims to investigate the global shift towards flexible farrowing systems, a practice gaining traction in the UK but lacking formal guidance. She plans to visit commercial farms and research facilities in various countries, including Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, France, Spain, and New Zealand. Notably, the pig sector in New Zealand has set a target to fully transition to flexible farrowing by 2025.
In addition to support from YAS, Bowers’ scholarship is also sponsored by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. Her findings will be shared publicly in 2027, contributing valuable insights to the agricultural community.
Bowers will also be among the speakers at the inaugural Yorkshire Farming Conference on January 28, 2024, held at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre in Harrogate. This event, open to all involved in agriculture, will feature over 30 industry speakers and a trade show with more than 60 businesses, providing a platform for networking and learning.
The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is dedicated to fostering positive change in agriculture by cultivating its future leaders. Through global learning experiences, the Trust encourages scholars to share innovative ideas upon their return home, ensuring continued progress within the agricultural sector.
