Book explores history of agricultural education
THE HISTORY of agricultural education and research in the UK is explored in a new book, authored by Harper Adams Principal Lecturer in Land Management, Carrie de Silva.
A Short History of Agricultural Education and Research: some key places, people, publications and events from the 17th to 21st centuries was launched at the RICS National Rural Conference last week.
The book aims to be a readable quick-reference for key and interesting features and provides a solid grounding for further investigation, whilst being a diverting read in its own right.
Ms de Silva lectures undergraduate and postgraduate land management students at the university in Shropshire in the areas of law and taxation. She also delivers CPD seminars for land agents and equine law seminars, on and off site, for the British Horse Society, the insurance industry and other commercial clients.
Ms de Silva, said: “The book snowballed from last summer, when I started trying to find out when the first of the county farm institutes was established.
“This book will help readers as both a quick reference to specific queries and to see how the land-based sector developed in both practical education and scientific research.
“Many are surprised to learn how much some of the early scientists more famous in other fields were involved with agriculture, such as Robert Boyle and Sir Humphrey Davy.
“Readers can also find a quick answer to questions such as ‘Who exactly was Jethro Tull?’ or ‘When did the Forestry Commission set up?’ or ’What government papers influenced agricultural educational provision?’”
The book covers related areas such as land agency, forestry and agricultural engineering. It also features teaching institutions, research bodies and agricultural societies.
To order a copy of a book, which is priced at £10 including postage, contact Ms de Silva via e-mail – cdesilva@harper-adams.ac.uk
Queries, corrections and suggestions for improvements to future editions are also welcomed.
Janine M Heath
Press Office
Harper Adams University
01952 815428
Harper Adams University is the UK's leading specialist provider of higher education for the rural and land-based industries. Our mission is to deliver higher education and research for the delivery of a sustainable food chain and rural economy. To see how Harper Adams can help you, visit www.harper-adams.ac.uk
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