Founded in 1894 as the Lancashire County Institute in Agriculture, Myerscough College continues to deliver education and training in Land-based studies. Whilst farming has certainly changed from 130 years ago, the College Farm remains an important resource for the College, embedding new technologies in precision farming, robotics, farm automation, drones, agricultural sensors, livestock monitoring, GPS technology, farm management, and digital. Because of their commitment to new technologies, they continue to be at the forefront of agricultural education and innovation to this day.
Innovative Research and Technological Integration
"As a College Farm we endeavour to support and deliver research where we can and recently completed a Farming Innovation Programme funded by Innovate UK", says Andrea Gardner, Farms Director. "This project investigated the pioneering use of drones in agriculture automating animal counts using thermal imaging, and was enabled by partnering with University of Central Lancashire and E & J Farming. Whilst research programmes are exciting, we also find demonstrating research an important part of knowledge transfer delivering expertise and experiences."
New Veterinary School and Facilities
In September 2023, the College, in partnership with University of Central Lancashire, welcomed veterinary students for their animal handling sessions on the college farm. The school is equipped with innovative sheep and cattle handling systems to support students and UCLan lecturers in their studies of animal behaviour, health, and welfare. This partnership has worked very well, and next year they look forward to welcoming the second cohort. The veterinary students utilize the Food Farming and Innovation and Technology (FFIT) Centre. Based at the College Farm, the FFIT Centre boasts conference facilities, meeting rooms, a computer suite, a laboratory, and a kitchen which are available to hire.
Farmer Support and Community Engagement
The Myerscough Farmer Network supports farmer groups across the region and a Myerscough Sustainable Farm Group based at the College Farm. Farmer Network Facilitators, Robert Burrow and Victoria Bracken, are actively delivering the Royal Countryside Farm for the Future Programme, supporting over 100 farmers through the basic payment scheme transition period by providing business, environmental, and topic workshops. Information around Sustainable Farming Incentives and grant updates have been popular with farmers. "With another 12 months to run, this programme has proved extremely popular, especially amongst hard-to-reach farmers," says Victoria Bracken.
Facts About Myerscough College Farm
Campus: 1000 acres
750 farmed acres in one ring fence
185 Holstein Dairy Cows
100 beef finishers per annum
Dairy Youngstock
1000 Lambing Ewes
100 acres Cereals
50 acres Herbal Leys
Interested in finding out more?
If you want to be involved in any of the above events or networking opportunities, please contact Andrea Gardner, Director of Farm Operations and Innovation.
This post is funded by Myerscough College.
