RAU team triumphs in crop plot challenge at Clarkson’s Farm

A team of students from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been crowned the winner of this year’s AICC Ceres Rural Crop Challenge 2026 at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm.

Taking place as part of the annual Cereals agricultural trade event – which this year took place at the TV celebrity’s farm near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire - the team fought off stiff competition from five other universities to claim the top spot in the hotly contested competition.

The teams of agriculture students were challenged to grow the best plot of Skyfall wheat in the Diddly Squat Farm Trials Zone. They were judged on the appearance of their plot, as well as decision making, communication, and team collaboration.

The RAU team – consisting of brother and sister duo Charlie and Sophie Turner, Archie Pegg, and team leader Alivia Ross - were judged, by Ceres Rural Managing Partner, and Clarkson’s Farm star, “Cheerful” Charlie Ireland and Roger Davis from Indigro representing AICC (Association of Independent Crop Consultants), to have produced the best crop.

Presenting the trophies, Charlie Ireland said: “It’s been really, really interesting. It's that balance of highlighting practical constraints, cost control, financial balance, and disease management. That’s the really important thing. So, hats off to you - the standard has been really high this year.”

Student Alivia Ross (21), who led the RAU team to victory, said: “The knowledge we have gained, and the connections we’ve made, through this experience really are invaluable. I hope to pursue a career in agronomy so I really threw myself in to making sure that our team’s crop management was completed to the highest level.

“The challenge related to many of our degree modules which really us all with our decision making. Thank you so much to Ceres Rural for hosting such a great competition and we are thrilled to have won it!”

The RAU team was crowned the overall winner, knocking rivals Harper Adams into second place while Aberystwyth University came third.

Professor Nicola Cannon, Professor of Agriculture at the RAU who mentored the University’s team, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students. Their management of the crop was particularly impressive, with well-designed crop protection strategies that effectively controlled key diseases such as yellow rust and Septoria.

“They demonstrated an outstanding ability to translate their academic learning into real-world decision-making, carefully tailoring their crop management approach to the specific site conditions, weather patterns, and the challenges of the season including grain market pressures.

“What stood out most was their dedication, teamwork, and the care with which they approached every decision throughout the season. This achievement is a testament not only to their technical skills, but also to their professionalism and commitment to excellence.”