Lewis Gibbin

2025 Next-Gen Dairy Scholar: My role as a general farm worker is broad, being involved in all aspects of arable and dairy production. Warmer months are spent assisting with harvest and field work however most of my time revolves around the dairy, being heavily involved in the day to day running of the herd, including feeding, bedding, overviewing health, welfare and milking performance of the cows while liaising on a daily basis with the manager, on farm vet and nutritionist. I also undertake the AI and foot trimming of the 400 strong herd alongside the team and assist in calf rearing and feeding.

In the immediate future I will graduate university, potentially after completing a master’s degree focussing on the nutrition or genetics of dairy cows. Subsequently, I hope to experience dairy farming across the globe, learning how management practices differ and gain insight in what the UK dairy industry can learn and utilize from its global counterparts. This may become possible through initiatives like the Holstein UK exchange programme. Following this, I aim to return home bringing new ideas and inspiration to grow the dairy business to the next level, recognising that the best farmers are adaptable and undertake lifelong learning.

I am involved in various socials, particularly the rugby club at Harper Adams University. I believe being involved in sport widens my social circle, meeting people from outside the industry with different interests, provides a healthy balance between physical and mental wellbeing. I have been passionate about Stockjudging from a young age. Achieving success, at the Royal Welsh, Great 4 Yorkshire, YFC Stockman and Holstein Young Breeders. A skill that is built on and tailored to the stock class in question and combines my passion for livestock. It has taken me around the country, seeing many impressive herds in the process.