Today, as part of the Tales of a Nuffield Scholar podcast, which aims to share the stories of Nuffield UK Alumni, we welcome Neville and Di Stangroom! 🌍✨ Their journey through agriculture, fruit growing, and Nuffield has been filled with innovation, travel, and a deep commitment to the industry. 🚜🍎

I found a lot of similarities between that or Di and Neville’s relationship to that of Yasmine and I’s!👫

Neville’s Nuffield Scholarship in 1978 focused on mechanising fruit harvesting, particularly for apples and strawberries. 🍓 He travelled to Australia to explore innovative techniques, learning about the Tertura trellis system and integrated pest management, which transformed his approach to farming. While some ideas didn’t take off, the lessons on sustainability and pest control were invaluable. 🌱💡 He also remains deeply involved in blackcurrant production, supplying fruit for Ribena and playing a role in the evolution of modern fruit-growing practices. 🍇🚜

Di brings a unique perspective, having supported the farm’s operations while also driving change in mental health awareness in farming. 💙 She co-founded YARNA (You Are Not Alone), an initiative that provided counselling for farmers struggling with isolation and depression. Her dedication has helped transform attitudes towards mental health in the sector, proving the impact of Nuffield beyond just farming practices. 👏🧠

Their Nuffield experiences led to lifelong connections worldwide, from Australia to Zimbabwe. 🌏 Through hospitality, conferences, and networking, they’ve formed friendships that continue to shape their perspectives today. Their advice? Don’t over-plan, embrace the unexpected, and always make time for people. It’s been a privilege to share their story! 🤝🔥

Enjoy! 😊

Thank you to Howden Rural for their support of this project.

The views in this podcast are that of those involved and not that of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

#NuffieldScholar #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFarming #MentalHealthAwareness #FruitGrowing #Blackcurrants #AgInnovation #FarmResilience #PestManagement #AgLeadership #RuralSupport #Agriculture #YoungFarmers #FarmingCommunity #FarmLife #IntegratedPestManagement #Horticulture #FarmerWellbeing #InternationalFarming #KnowledgeExchange #RuralMentalHealth

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