Livestock Technology Centre to boost agritech skills in Oxfordshire

VIPs from across West Oxfordshire joined staff and students to witness the official opening of the Livestock Technology Centre on Friday 17 May.

The £1.9m facility at Common Leys Farm, officially opened by Robert Courts MP, will provide innovative technology and the latest skills and knowledge for young people who are keen to establish a career in the agriculture industry.

According to the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), who secured c£1m of funding through the Government’s Local Growth Fund, the centre “could play a key role in growing the county’s economy.”

Students will be able to use a NEDAP Pig Performance Testing station, Shearwell Data for sheep stock analysis and a live feedback system through the large screen installed within the facility. This will enable theory to be taught within the livestock area, giving students a unique learning experience.

A real pleasure to officially open @AbWitCollege‘s important farm technology centre which will equip our young people with the agricultural skills West Oxfordshire will need in the years ahead. https://t.co/iVYrfxjPQw

— Robert Courts MP (@robertcourts) May 17, 2019

Guests were particularly impressed by the current crop of students who provided tours, explaining what they do on their course and their experiences at the campus.

Great to attend the grand opening of the new Livestock Technology Centre at @AbWitFarm near #Hailey. This is a fantastic facility for @AbWitCollege students. Thank you to the students for giving us a tour of the site 🐷🐭🐮 pic.twitter.com/XMiXCfOhU3

— Cllr Liam Walker (@_Liam_Walker_) May 17, 2019

Nigel Tipple – OxLEP Chief Executive – said: “Such a significant project will, first and foremost, have a positive impact on the agri-tech sector, as well as supporting young people and their skills development.

“It also provides a real opportunity for Oxfordshire to continue to drive dynamic economic growth through this sector – both locally and nationally.

“We are delighted to have secured such a significant Local Growth Fund allocation for this project and we are sure it can be real asset to Abingdon and Witney College’s future growth plans.”