Jessica Langton

University of Nottingham

Second year student Jessica Langton comes from a dairy farming family in Derbyshire and is currently studying for a BSc in animal science.

She has been the driving force in the introduction of Jersey and Norwegian Red genetics into their pedigree Holstein and Friesian herd, to help increase milk fat and protein content in line with their new milk contract. She also works part-time for Genus ABS as a reproductive management systems technician as part of their work experience Insights programme.

At university, Jessica is a peer mentor for the university’s school of biosciences aiding the transition of new students into university life, and is a course representative, acting as the voice of the students on her course.

Jessica secured a place on Nottingham University’s Witty Entrepreneurial Scholarship Programme which provides financial support and help in the development of students’ leadership and innovation skills. She also won the Venture innovation team challenge which involved creating a business plan to aid the development of a local enterprise.

A member of Enactus Nottingham, a not-for-profit organisation run by students, Jessica’s social enterprise worked with Arla to investigate feeding seaweed to ruminants as a way of reducing methane emissions.

Champion

Outside of university, Jessica is heavily involved in her local Holstein Young Breeders Club and in 2019 was the intermediate linear assessment and stockjudging champion and the reserve champion calf handler.

Earlier this year she was the runner-up in Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ dairy student of the year award.

Jessica is keen to educate the next generation of consumers and has recently signed up to take part in the Farmer Time initiative to bring farming into schools.

In the future, she has aspirations of obtaining a PhD in bovine genetics or sustainable farming and carry out further research potentially by carrying out a Nuffield Scholarship.

Proudest moment:

“I’m proud of the developments I made towards a career in agriculture. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I have grown so much as an individual through the agricultural industry. It’s filled with incredible people and amazing opportunities. I hope to continue promoting the industry and become an ambassador for women and young people hoping to build a career in agriculture.”

What Judges said about Jessica:

Jessica was a standout finalist for agricultural student of the year, she did a first class job of linking her understanding of science and academia to solving key problems within agriculture.

She is very well read and can turn her knowledge into real practical solutions which can be an issue within the agricultural industry.

It is evident Jessica wants to make a difference, and she ticked all the boxes in terms of being a fantastic ambassador for the industry. One to watch in the future.

On winning, Jessica said:

“It feels absolutely amazing to be here. I am honoured. It means so much to be recognised and I am so blown away by it, thank you to everyone.”

She said it felt slightly ‘daunting’ to be at such a large event after lockdown but her faming peers quickly put her at ease.  

“It makes you remember how much time we lost networking during Covid and how important speaking to other people in the farming community is,” she said, adding her passion stemmed from her family’s farm.  

Asked what she’d say to any young person considering a career in agriculture, she said: “Go for it! The industry is so vast that there is a place for anybody and everybody. There are always people around to help you make your dreams come true.” 

At a glance:

  • Fourth generation dairy farming family
  • Works part time for Genus ABS as a reproductive management specialist
  • Appointee for NFU Dairy Board
  • Peer mentor for the School of Biosciences
  • Course representative
  • Supplement development leader for Project Ecologeco of Enactus Nottingham
  • Active member of Holstein Young Breeders
  • Competing at local and country horse shows and hoping to qualify for the Royal International Horse Show and STARS
  • Signed up to be part of Farmer Time

Awards include:

  • Won a place on the Witty Entrepreneurial Scholarship Programme
  • Nottingham Advantage Award
  • Runner-up RABDF Dairy Student of the Year
  • Intermediate linear and stockjudging champion and reserve champion handler of Derbyshire HYB, 2019