Scholarships on offer

Agriculture underpinned Otago’s 2014 GDP, but undermined it in 2015; pictured, sheep grazing on a...
Young people keen to break into the agricultural sector have the opportunity to apply for a Lincoln University scholarship.

South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD), through Lincoln University, is offering scholarships of $10,500 to up to six exceptional students who are poised to become the next leaders in the primary industries.

SIAFD executive member Daniel Schat said the scope of the scholarships had broadened this year and included one for any New Zealand Young Farmers affiliate and one for a non-Young Farmers student undertaking fulltime study at Lincoln.

The scholarships were about more than just financial support, Mr Schat said.

"It’s about backing the drive and determination of the people who’ll be working in the agricultural industry in the future."

Last year’s recipients — Cameron Brans, Jessica Quinlan, Jorja Weld, Claire Donelley, Georgia Higinbottom and Cameron Beck — exemplified academic excellence and promise within their communities, he said. Their potential contributions went beyond mere accolades as they prepared to tackle challenges facing modern agriculture head on.

"Backing education now means we’ll have smart, practical problem-solvers for whatever comes next."