Philip Watson

Career Overview

I grew up in the Agricultural industry on a Dairy, Beef and Arable farm in Northamptonshire. After education, I worked as a Herdsperson and Herd Manager on a range of dairy units and took on farm management responsibility when and where required. This involved the management of herds ranging from 150 to 250 cows (plus young stock) on semi-intensive and extensive systems with responsibility for clean milk production, herd health and fertility including the development of herd health and breeding plans, high standards of animal welfare, record keeping and grassland and arable management.

Moved into agricultural education in 2010 as a lecturer/manager in further and higher education ranging from GCSE to MSc. Taught subjects included livestock production, farm and strategic management and waste management. I have been in my current role since March 2015 with responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the University's agriculture department.

Teaching and supervision

Introduction to Agricultural Economics
Skills Development for Agriculture
Farm Business Management and Agricultural Policy
Professional Practice Project / Portfolio
Strategic Management
Animal and Agriculture Dissertation
Applied Research Practice

Research interests

Impact of working with Dairy Cattle on Farmer Wellbeing and Mental Health
Mental Health in the Agricultural Industry
The use of Artificial Intelligence in Farm Business Planning and Decision Making
Succession Planning on Family Farms
Benchmarking and Farm Performance
Calf Rearing Protocols and Systems
One Health and Social Licence within Agriculture

Pure profile