Prince William to Study Agriculture at Cambridge University

Dec 30, 2013

The Duke of Cambridge, also known as His Royal Highness Prince William, has announced his plans to study agriculture during a 10 week course on agricultural management offered through Cambridge University in England. The course will cover the major issues surrounding the farming industry and rural communities within Great Britain, and will help prepare the Prince for his future leadership of the Duchy of Cornwall, a large portfolio of property, land and investments that he will inherit when his father, Prince Charles, ascends the throne as King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

According to a Kensington Palace spokesman, "The executive education programme of seminars, lectures and meetings will draw on the strengths of academics across the university. It will start in early January and run until mid-March.

"The course has been designed to help provide the duke with an understanding of contemporary issues affecting agricultural business and rural communities in the United Kingdom."

Over the course of his agricultural management studies, the Duke of Cambridge will take up residence in Cambridge, while continuing with his other official royal duties.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.