A LOCAL farmer is up for a top agricultural award.

Denbighshire farmer Emily Hickman has been officially recognised as one of the best farmers in Britain, making the shortlist for a top prize in the UK’s biggest farming awards.

Emily, who farms at Bryn Newydd, Prestatyn, has made it to the final three for the Ag Student Farmer of the Year award in the 2018 Farmers Weekly Awards.

"It was unexpected entirely," said 23-year-old Emily about the nomination.

"I found out in May or June."

Emily has just finished her studies at Harper Adams, however the next step has been established.

"I'm actually starting a graduate scheme with Arla Foods in September.

"A lot of people are concerned that you study agriculture and then you become a farmer.

"The only jobs you can have are milking cows, etc.

"But what they don't realise is that there are a lot of jobs out there."

She listed genetics, marketing, nutrition and research and development as just a few of the options that are open to agriculture graduates.

"So many doors are open to you," she added.

"I would like to do a Nuffield Scholarship.

"I was awarded a British Poultry Council scholarship in 2016 and at Harper Adams, they do a good scholarship programme across all sectors."

Alongside her final year studies at Harper Adams University, in Shropshire, she launched an online farming magazine and also runs a blog.

She is out to prove that agriculture is more than just farming.

The awards, now in their 14th year, are judged by an expert panel made up of industry specialists and previous award winners.

Ag Student Farmer of the Year is one of 15 categories in the awards, which are sponsored by McDonalds and global agriculture firm Corteva Agriscience.

If Emily wins the title, that puts her in the running for the overall Farmer of the Year Award, given to the farmer judged to be the 'winner of winners'.

The award winners will be announced on October 4 at a glittering ceremony in London’s Grosvenor House.

This will take place in front of an audience of more than 1,000 farmers and industry leaders.

"I'm very surprised to be nominated," she added.

"Being a finalist, I am over the moon.

"Just even to be short-listed is fantastic."

To see Emily's blog, visit lifeandthecows.wordpress.com