Working in partnership with local Kubota dealer Hughes Brothers , of Oswestry , the University ’ s Engineering and Animal Production , Welfare and Veterinary Sciences Departments , and the University ’ s 550 hectaresplus farm , welcomed the arrival of three new models for use within these three areas .

Kubota ’ s MK5000 , M6060 and M128GX tractors arrived on site in early June , and straight away students and staff were eager to put the machines through their paces . The M6060 and M128GX will both be used as part of student rural skills training which is available to all students alongside their degree course studies .

The machines will also be used day-to-day by the University ’ s technical and academic staff for teaching and research purposes . The Harper Adams ’ Dairy Unit will be using its Kubota in a variety of tasks including supporting the new youngstock facilities .

“ It ’ s important for students to have opportunities to work with the latest machinery during their studies . This hands-on experience helps them better understand how machinery can help improve farming practice and productivity ,” explained the University ’ s Vice- Chancellor , Dr David Llewellyn .

“ Our partnership with Kubota is providing students with the chance to develop their skills through contact with its market-leading machinery . Kubota is a respected name in the sector and the company is committed to working with us to assist the development of the next generation of industry professionals and to make sure we are at the cutting edge of innovation . We are extremely grateful to Kubota , and to Hughes Brothers , for their support .”

Harper Adams is the UK ’ s only university to offer agricultural engineering as a course of study and its teaching in whole food chain management and animal care is considered to be amongst the best in the UK . The university also enjoys some of the highest levels of graduate employment , with an average , over the last seven years , of 96 % of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation .

Dave Roberts , Kubota UK Managing Director commented :

“ It ’ s in ours and the industry ’ s best interests to make sure that the farmers and agricultural engineers of tomorrow get access the best possible education . Harper Adams is at the cutting edge of agricultural higher education so we ’ re delighted to continue our partnership by donating machinery that will support high quality teaching and research .

“ Giving students access to Kubota machinery from the beginning of their studies ensures that we continue to be a brand that is in demand in the agricultural market , which is especially pertinent with the significant investment the company has

made globally to expand our agricultural range . We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Harper Adams and we ’ ll be closely following the progress of its students .”

To find out more about Kubota and its market-leading range of solutions for the agricultural and groundcare sectors , visit www . kubota . co . uk .