Phil Pinn, from Worlingworth in Suffolk, has won the 2022 Nick Bird Award for his dissertation on dry matter losses during silage making.
When attending Harper Adams University and undertaking his degree in mechanical engineering, Mr Pinn’s final project was to investigate the use of a particular measurement and analysis methodology to assess compaction in silage clamps which had been loaded and damped down using standard tractor tyres on the loading tractor.
Within his dissertation, Mr Pinn highlighted the large monetary losses for European farmers, that can be attributed to dry matter losses during silage making. He noted that dry matter losses during silage making average 25%, which equates to a total monetary loss of £2.5 billion for farmers in Europe.
According to Mr Pinn, up to 18% of loss occurs during fermentation. However, he suggests that losses as low as 8% could be achievable.
When graduating, Mr Pinn was awarded the Nick Bird Award – a perpetual trophy and cheque for £500 – for his outstanding written work involving the recorded observations of an agricultural process, data analysis and interpretation with demonstrable added value for farmers.
Hugh Crabtree, of award sponsors Farmex, said: “I was interested in Phil’s project because it involved a novel approach to assessing compaction in silage clamps. This is important to farmers if dry matter losses are to be reduced.”
“The quality of Phil’s work and attention to detail was very apparent. As an engineer with an enquiring mind, I am sure he will go far. It’s a delight to make this award to him.”