Herts Uni students take on work that could change farming practises
Business students are analysing the accounts of a successful 19th century farmer from detailed diaries
Students at the University of Hertfordshire have initiated work to transcribe and analyse the accounts from a successful 19th century Hertfordshire farmer's diaries.
The University of Hertfordshire and Three Rivers Museum, who are currently in possession of these books, are collaborating to look into the depth and detail of the accounts.
The archives include meticulously documented farming activities, including annual valuations of a business, livestock inventories, and crop yields.
The initial stage consisted of digitalising the John White archives, followed by work with academics and business students to note best practises and lessons to learn.
By doing so, they are hoping to inspire a positive change in farming practises that could be applied to modern agriculture.
Student Sundas Kamran said: "I think that actually he was a business analyst because, although at that time when there was no such term for business analysis, he overviewed his whole agriculture farm and then he introduced some new technologies like drilling and the steam threshold system."
"And along with that, the fertilisers to enhance the productivity and with the profit as well, I think he was a real business analyst at that time and he knew how to get the more profit, how to cut the cost of labour, and how to get the more profit from every crop that he was yielding."
"He gave us a model of agriculture on how you can increase your productivity and efficiency just by introducing some new technologies."
John White was born in 1813 and was the son of a local farmer who farmed several hundreds of acres of land between Rickmansworth and Chorleywood.
He kept diaries for every day from 1841 until he had to give up his diary through ill health.
Showcasing the success of his farming techniques during what was described as a period of agricultural depression, his books are a valuable account for business students who are hoping to inspire a positive change in modern farming through learnt lessons.
Student Daniel Anayochukwu said: "We discovered that he was able to keep accurate records and what really paid out for him was that he was able to track the progress of his of his farm activities while some of his colleagues did not do well."
"John White diversified where some farmers only focused on wheat; he cultivated other crops, even a livestock."
"So in a situation where there was a depression in wheat, he was able to diversify and survive, carry on."
The project is set to continue beyond its initial six-month phase, with plans for further workshops and public exhibitions.