Dr Jan Dinsdale, Farm Adviser at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, has been named the winner of the Paul Singleton Project of the Year Award, recognising the highest-scoring project completed as part of the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection.
Jan received the award for her project, “Weed Control for Diverse Ley Establishment”, which investigated practical weed management techniques to support the successful establishment of herbal leys. With more livestock farmers introducing diverse leys through environmental schemes, the project looked at how effective weed control can improve establishment while supporting productive and sustainable farming systems.
Having worked with beef and dairy farmers across West Cornwall for the past 15 years, Jan was able to base her project on the real challenges faced by the farms she advises. The work reflects her passion for finding practical solutions that benefit both farm businesses and the environment.
The runner-up for this year’s award was ProCam agronomist Henry Lukas. Congratulating both candidates, Harry Henderson, head of Education & membership at BASIS, said: “Both should be proud of their achievements, which reflect the high standard of projects completed as part of the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection. Jan’s project is a great example of how BASIS qualifications encourage candidates to apply technical knowledge to real farming situations.”
Speaking after receiving the award, Jan said: “I’m delighted to receive the Paul Singleton Award. Completing the BASIS Crop Protection course has strengthened my understanding of crop protection and given me greater confidence in advising farmers. It was rewarding to investigate a topic that is directly relevant to the farms I work with every day, and I hope the findings will help others establishing diverse herbal leys.”
