YOUNG people working in agriculture have the opportunity to gain valuable skills and invest in their future through the 2023 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships.
A 2022 scholarship recipient, Natalie Eckert, said the program has enabled her to continue learning while meeting and networking with people in other parts of the industry.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to invest in yourself,” she told The Guardian.
“The agricultural industry is small, so I enjoyed putting myself in a position where I could meet like-minded individuals while also learning about their industries and how they operate, create efficiencies and their challenges.
“It also gives you the opportunity to pinpoint an aspect of the business you would like to actively improve and then identify an investment that will help you achieve the goal.”
The program offers scholarships of up to $10,000, with each recipient initially receiving up to $5000 to support their training and study, and up to $5000 to invest in putting their new skills into practice. It is also designed to be flexible in fitting in with the demands and ambitions of young farmers and workers.
Successful applicants can receive training in areas such as business and risk management, genetics and pasture management, digital agriculture or adapting to climate change. Once they complete their studies, they can invest in professional development and business planning, on-farm practices or equipment and technology.
Ms Eckert grew up in Melbourne and studied agriculture because she wanted to live in a rural area and enjoyed science.
She now works as the regional climate adaptation lead with Murray Dairy while being involved with her husband’s family farm between Kerang and Quambatook.
“I’m very lucky that I get to maintain off-farm employment – it’s my opportunity to develop my skills and network away from the farm and bring ideas, intel, innovation and perspective back to the farm,” she said.
Through her scholarship, Ms Eckert was able to complete two units of study through the University of Adelaide, which helped improve her understanding of leadership and accounting and financial management.
She encourages others who are thinking about applying to take the leap.
“An open-minded and enthusiastic attitude is powerful,” Ms Eckert said.
“By investing in young people, we are investing in the industry as a whole.”
Applications are open to farmers aged 35 and under who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months, with at least two years’ experience on farms. Applications will close on May 8.
To learn more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit the Agriculture Victoria website and search ‘Young farmers scholarships’.
