Hattie Bryett is currently in her first year at Aberystwyth university, studying Agriculture with Animal Science. She is not a generational farmer, but someone who has a strong passion for farming and experiencing all the diverse roles.
“I’m eager to learn what this industry has to offer as I am still new and experiencing all the different roles. Since I discovered my interest within Agriculture in 2016, I have worked with horses, research cattle, sheep, and dairy and beef cattle.” Over time, Hattie has focused on genetic and artificial insemination, which she hopes to learn more about during her second year at university.
Most of Hattie’s work has been within the dairy industry where she started off on a smaller scale by milking twice a day and calving all year round. “I slowly moved onto a robotic dairy farm in Aberystwyth, where I learnt more about the benefits and deficits of the dairy industry, how robots can help, and more about calving. I would ensure the cows had gone into the robots to be milked twice daily, although majority did by themselves. Also, had to ensure all sheds were clean, checked that the robots had flagged up for mastitis (an inflammation of breast tissue) and treated them depending on their severity.”
She is now employed at a research unit with fistula ex dairy cows, whilst also being an employee at McDonalds. This gives her more opportunities to learn about produce from farming. “I have worked on the research unit since March 2023 and have really enjoyed learning what research can be done with different samples from the fistula cows.” Her experience opened an interest in research within Agriculture. “I ensure that the cow’s fistulas and paddocks are cleaned daily and resolve any problems quickly. Rotating their living space from a mix of indoor and outdoor which ensures that the welfare of animals is the best that it can be.”
Since her progression at the research unit, another opportunity arose from working for this farm, and this was to get qualified and assist in the 2023 lambing season. “This was something I had never done before, so I did find it quite challenging, yet it was incredible and made me very proud. After completing a course with ‘Embryonics’ and being awarded by ‘Lantra’, I got to lead and assist in the lambing season.” Though Hattie faced many challenges on the farm, she realised her journey expanded her knowledge for the better, and the feeling of accomplishment overrides anything.
Taking on the responsibility to drive positive change, Hattie hopes to educate and inspire others to experience farming from a different light, ensuring they have that confidence and motivation to learn about Agriculture and the benefits of farming. Hattie has the capability and drive to make a difference from the ground upwards. “Agriculture offers so many roles, so I really want to experience as many pathways as possible.”
“I’m very proud to be part of this new generation of farmers. I really hope to inspire as many young people that farming is open to everyone, particularly if you are keen to put in the hard work.”
