Wiltshire College & University Centre welcomed representatives from the Western branch of The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) to our Lackham campus recently.
IAgrE is a professional membership organisation with grades for all those working, or with an interest in, engineering, science and technology within agriculture and the environment. A registered charity working for the public benefit, IAgrE brings together academics, practitioners and industry to share knowledge and promote professionalism in the advancement and application of technology in the landbased sector.
The visiting party were welcomed to Lackham by Sharon Jarvis, Deputy Head of Department for Engineering, and activities on the day involved a tour and demonstrations in the campus’ new Agri-Tech Centre and robotic dairy. These new facilities were officially opened earlier this year following the completion of £9million worth of redevelopment worth at the campus.
Richard Ingram, Herd Manager at Lackham, also delivered an informative talk on how the robotic dairy works, including insight into the state-of-the art technology supplied by DeLaval for the facility.
Following the tour, College students received an insightful talk of their own from IAgrE member Alastair Tulloch, with students also encouraged to take up membership to the organisation.
Alastair has been a member of IAgrE for 50 years, is a key member of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) Training & Education Committee and was one of the founding fathers of the Landbased Technician Accreditation (LTA) Scheme.
Sharon Jarvis, Deputy Head of Department for Engineering at the College, said: “We delighted to welcome representatives from The Institution of Agricultural Engineers to our Lackham campus. They took part in an insightful tour of our new facilities and we received plenty of positive feedback about the developments here.
“It is hugely encouraging to know that Lackham is so highly thought of by leaders and experts in land-based industries. The College has always strived to provide students with the best possible environment in which to learn.”
Following their visit, IAgrE have completed a detailed report into their trip to Lackham which is to feature in the next edition of the organisation’s quarterly magazine – Landwards.
To learn more about the wide variety of land-based courses on offer at the College’s Lackham campus, click here.
IAgrE member Alastair Tulloch delivers a presentation to students at the College's Lackham campus
