Our Placement Student
Molly Cook
Our placement student Molly has spent the past year gaining hands-on experience across different areas of the company, from feed production through to sales and technical support. Below, Molly has shared her experiences from the past 12 months with us and the valuable insights she has gained working within a family business.
I joined I’Anson in July 2025 as a placement student. I am currently in my third year at Harper Adams University, where I am studying BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science.
During my first six months at I’Anson, I worked within the production team, where I gained a strong understanding of the milling process, quality control, and production planning. This was a really valuable introduction to the business, as it gave me insight into how feed is produced from start to finish and highlighted the importance of accuracy and consistency within the manufacturing process. It was a great way to begin my placement and provided a solid foundation of knowledge before moving into the next part of my role.
In January, I moved into the sales and technical team, where I have been working closely alongside our nutritionist and sales representatives. So far, I have really enjoyed learning how to formulate livestock diets, understand nutritional requirements, and see how diets can be adapted to suit individual farm systems. This role has also shown me how the team liase with farmers and understand the practical application of on farm nutrition.
Alongside my day-to-day role, I have also been given the opportunity to get involved in the planning of our open day, which has been an exciting project and has helped me develop skills in communication, teamwork, and forward planning, while also giving me an understanding of how the business engages with customers and the wider industry.
Having grown up on our family farm, I have always had a strong passion for livestock and British agriculture, and my time at I’Anson has shown me how essential nutrition is as the industry continues to advance. Outside of work and university, I enjoy spending time outdoors. I have enjoyed showing my pedigree flock of Ryeland sheep and regularly take part in grouse and pheasant beating, alongside my two fox red Labradors, Rosie and Wilma. I also enjoy clay shooting and am part of the team at Harper!
Overall, my placement at I’Anson has been an incredibly valuable experience so far, and I am grateful for the support, guidance, and opportunities I have been given throughout my time with the business.
We would like to say a huge thank you for the hard work Molly has put in over the last 12 months; it’s been a pleasure working alongside her.
Just a reminder, our 2027 calendar competition is open for entries. Please send your best farming photos to calendar@ianson.co.uk for a chance of winning!
