A diverse range of Australia’s agricultural industries are represented by 23 leading young primary producers and managers who have been awarded prestigious Nuffield Australia Farming Scholarships for 2017.
These new scholars will undertake cutting edge research into agriculture and fisheries across the globe using a $30,000 bursary for a 16-week program of group and individual travel during 2017.
The scholarships were announced during an awards gala dinner at this week’s Nuffield Australia National Conference, being held in Adelaide, where more than 300 delegates from primary industries have gathered to network and hear the latest research findings.
Industries represented include rice, chicken meat, grains, fisheries, eggs, wine, livestock, wool, dairy, cotton and horticulture.
Global study tour research topics selected by the 2017 scholars are wide-ranging, from balancing consumer concerns in egg production, prawn nursery technology, precision agriculture and the way forward for daughters and women in agriculture.
After returning from global study tours, each of the Nuffield scholars will share their findings with other growers and stakeholders in their respective industries and communities.
Nuffield Australia prides itself in helping to build capacity for Australia’s food and fibre industries to be world-leaders in the adoption of the latest and most effective technology, best practice and innovation.
There are more than 380 Nuffield Australia Scholars who have developed significant insights into global agricultural production systems and continue to influence advances in their rural industries and communities.
The 2017 Scholarship winners and their investors are:
SA – Tobias Bekkers, from McLaren Vale; Jonas Woolford, Streaky Bay; and Jamie Heinrich, Parndana, KI.
Vic – Daniel Meade, from Garvoc (near Warrnambool); Chris Monnier, from Mornington; and Brendan Hehir, from Wyuna (near Kyabram).
Tas – Robert Arvier, Penguin, Matthew Gunningham, Mawbanna, and Duncan Macdonald, Yolla.
NSW – Mark Groat, Beelbangera; Jessica Pitkin, Singleton; Claire Osborn Booth, Geurie, near Dubbo; Daniel Kahl, Wee Waa; Stuart Tait, Mandurama; and Felicity McLeod, Wentworth.
Qld – Glenn Wormald, Guthalungra; Alexander Nixon, Drillham; Luke Bradley, Springsure; and Matthew Fealy, Mareeba.
NT – Cameron Kruckow, Katherine.
WA – Lara Ladyman, Katanning; and Katrina Sasse, Morawa.