History of Agricultural Education in Wiltshire - Lackham Countryside ...

The Regional Advisory Officers at Bristol were mostly specialists in specific
subjects relating to Agriculture and Horticulture and were closely connected
with the various Research Departments throughout the country. They were in a
position to convey new ideas to the County Advisors in their province and assist
with technical problems that occurred on the farms from time to time.
It was not long before the W.E.C. and N.A.A.S. gained the confidence and cooperation
of the farmers. Surveys and work studies were carried out on the
farms resulting in many new ideas in mechanisation and labour-saving devices.
Experimental farms were set up in various parts of the country.
Efficiency and farm management improved and productivity increased in
accordance with the Minister's request,
It was undoubtedly the beginning of a new era in British Agriculture calling
for a well-trained, skilled labour force and education for the younger
generation.
In 1966, the N.A.A.S. changed its name to A.D.A.S. - Agricultural Development
and Advisory Service. [i]
Mr R W Horton was an outstanding Chairman of the Wiltshire Agricultural
Executive Committee. He was also Vice-Chairman of the Lackham Committee
and was responsible for purchasing the foundation Friesian stock for Home
Farm, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, in 1947. Mr Brimacombe and his
staff were good friends to Lackham, always ready to advise and co-operate.
Mr Bishop was Secretary of the W.A.E.C. and was Administrative Officer on
their behalf for Lackham from 1946 to 1951. He was promoted to the post
of Divisional Officer in 1957 with Headquarters at Gloucester.
His main task was to implement the Farm Improvement Scheme, Part II of the
Agriculture Act 1957, in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. (See photograph album
p 14) .
LOVEDAY REPORT I
In 1947, the Ministries of Agriculture and Education published an interim report
on Agricultural and Horticultural Institutes. Chairman -Dr Loveday.
The Report recommended that provision be made for specialised courses in
Animal and Crop Husbandry and Poultry Keeping at Institutes, in addition to the