Royal Agricultural University team wins crop challenge at Clarkson's Farm
The team triumphed at the Cereals agricultural trade event
Students from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) have emerged victorious in the AICC Ceres Rural Crop Challenge 2026 held at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm.
The prestigious Cereals agricultural trade event took place at the renowned TV celebrity's farm in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
Agriculture students from six universities competed to grow the best plot of Skyfall wheat in the Diddly Squat Farm Trials Zone.
The competition evaluated teams based on plot appearance, decision making, communication skills, and teamwork.
RAU Team Achievements
The winning team from RAU included siblings Charlie and Sophie Turner, Archie Pegg, and team leader Alivia Ross.
Their crop was adjudged as the best by Ceres Rural Managing Partner Charlie Ireland and Roger Davis from the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC).
Charlie Ireland praised the participants, saying:
“It’s that balance of highlighting practical constraints, cost control, financial balance, and disease management. That’s the really important thing.”
Student and Professor Remarks
Alivia Ross, 21, expressed her delight at the team's victory:
“The knowledge we have gained, and the connections we’ve made, through this experience really are invaluable. Thank you so much to Ceres Rural for hosting such a great competition and we are thrilled to have won it!”
RAU's competitors edged out Harper Adams University, which secured second place, while Aberystwyth University came third.
Professor Nicola Cannon, who mentored the RAU team, voiced her pride:
“What stood out most was their dedication, teamwork, and the care with which they approached every decision throughout the season.”
This achievement showcased the team’s technical skills and professionalism in crop management.