Alyse Wood
Sponsored by AgriFutures Throroughbred Horse Program
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2021 Horizon Scholars
Paris Capell
Sponsored by Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA)
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Patrick Armstrong
Sponsored by Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA)
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Alyse Wood
Sponsored by AgriFutures Throroughbred Horse Program
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) at The University of Queensland
My name is Alyse Wood and I grew up on a commercial beef cattle property in regional South West Queensland (in a little district called Darr Creek).
I’ve grown up on the land. Every afternoon after school if I wasn’t working with the horses I would be working with the cattle or doing sports (netball, track and field, soccer, touch, softball).
Primary school was a 30min bus ride and high school was 3 times this long each way. I transitioned from a 13-student primary school (at one stage it was down to 6 students) to a 500-student high school, to being amongst thousands of students at University. I have been very lucky throughout my education to be surrounded by so many dedicated and caring individuals and will forever be grateful for this.
I completed a year of the ‘Bachelor of Equine Science’ degree at UQ before transferring into Veterinary and I work as a veterinary nurse casually whilst studying full time.
I am passionate about; always learning and giving back to my community, agriculture (not just animal industries, but also cropping and sustainability), reproduction and the equine athlete. At this stage, upon completion of my degree I would like to work in mixed rural practice for a couple of years (focusing on horses, cattle and dogs) and then potentially look into specialising. At some point my dream (since I was 10 years old) is to run a successful farming business and become a veterinarian that travels with the Australian Equestrian Olympic Team to an Olympic games.
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Angus Malmo
Sponsored by AgriFutures Rice Program
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) at The University of Sydney
Coming from a dairy-farm in North-East Victoria to now living on a mixed-enterprise dryland property in the Eastern Riverina I’ve been lucky enough have always been around agriculture.
Combining this with my passion for applied science, I hope to begin a career as an agronomist once I finish university. I hope that this career path will allow me to contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future for the Riverina region in what may become a more challenging environment.
Many of my interests therefore involve all things that look to improve the sustainability of Australian agroecosystems and I eventually want to be at the forefront of the on-farm implementation of emerging techniques that look to promote such robust systems. Adding to this I am of the firm belief that climate change should be seen as an opportunity for Australian agriculture to excel as a global competitor rather than being viewed as a threat.
Being awarded a Horizon Scholarship is a huge honour and I’m excited to get involved in the various work experience opportunities and to make new connections with both industry and my peers. I am particularly excited about being sponsored by AgriFutures Australia and to be guided by their Rice Program. The opportunity to be able to get involved in one of the more innovative and intensive sectors of Australian broad-acre agriculture I’m sure will be both eye-opening and educational.
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Bill Lee
Sponsored by Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC)
Bachelor of Agriculture at The University of Melbourne
I come from a fourth-generation cereal and sheep farming family in Birchip, a small rural community in Northwest Victoria. I completed all thirteen years of schooling at Birchip P-12 School, receiving a very high standard of education for a small public school. I have played football, cricket and tennis for the respective local Birchip teams from juniors through to seniors. I had a gap year between school and university where I worked on our family farm as well a stint landscaping in Bendigo, gaining invaluable knowledge, practical experience and life skills.
I commenced my university degree last year and with the onset of COVID-19, I moved home and studied my degree online. Despite the challenges the COVID-19 restrictions placed on our life as we knew it, a major positive for me was that I gained valuable hands-on experience working on my family’s farm and other farms when allowed, and at the same time I was learning about the science of agriculture in my studies. This allowed me to really build my knowledge, make valuable connections between theory and practice and further ignite my passion for agriculture.
Agriculture is the backbone of Birchip and a major reason for its survival. I am very passionate about rural communities and I have seen what prosperity and ‘good times’ in agriculture can do for rural towns. Successful years in farming creates many job opportunities in small agricultural towns which brings greater hope, confidence and economic growth to the community and a better social environment. This has the flow on effect of helping agricultural businesses, like machinery dealerships and supply agencies, and other small businesses to thrive. The idea of influencing this prosperity with the skills I acquire from my Bachelor of Agriculture really inspires me and I would find great happiness in helping rural communities to survive.
At the completion of my degree, I am interested in pursuing a career as an agronomist. I want to have a positive influence on improving the practises of primary producers to increase productivity and profitability using existing resources, however with less water so that the agricultural industry remains viable and sustainable in the future. Drought tolerant varieties and higher risk drought areas are a particular interest of mine. Having the opportunity to work with my sponsor GRDC really excites me as I will hopefully gain an insight into the progress on drought tolerant varieties and other notable advancements in the industry.
I am extremely grateful and honoured to be given this opportunity by AgriFutures to work with such an innovative company in the broadacre agricultural scene. Being awarded the Horizon scholarship is not only extremely humbling but it will also provide me with great opportunities to network with industry leaders at the four-day workshop, which will no doubt inspire my passion for agriculture further.
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Caitlin Morgan
Sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI)
Bachelor of Agriculture at The University of Melbourne
G’day! My names Caitlin Morgan, I’m from the Mornington Peninsula and I’m currently studying Bachelor of Agriculture at The University of Melbourne with the aim to complete further studies in Veterinary Medicine. Throughout my childhood I was fortunate to spend a lot of time on my grandparents Angus Beef Stud in South Gippsland where my passion for agriculture began. This was further nurtured through my involvement and subsequent management of my Schools Corriedale Sheep Stud where I quickly discovered my passion for the sheep and wool industry and for animal health.
The privilege of being involved in agricultural education and competitions has not only fuelled my goal of becoming a livestock veterinarian, but to further explore the areas of genetics, biotechnology, and sustainable production techniques to ensure food security for future generations. After seeing the impact that Agriculture in schools has on young people, it has been a goal of mine to highlight the significance of youth and female involvement in the industry had and the need to expand educational programs on food and fibre throughout society.
For me, the Horizon Scholarship will act as a catalyst to deepen my passion and curiosity in a variety of Agricultural sectors and open the doors to many new and exciting opportunities and partnerships. I am beyond grateful to have been selected for such an illustrious program and to utilise the networking and professional development to make the most of my time in tertiary education. After spending many years in the sheep and wool industry, I am so proud to represent Australian Wool Innovations and honoured to receive their sponsorship. I am so excited engage with likeminded people and utilise the knowledge and support of their amazing team!
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Christopher Duke
Sponsored by Dairy Australia
Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University
My name is Christopher Duke and I come from Brisbane. From a young age, my exposure to various agricultural disciplines through family helped to foster my passion for plant and animal production. This passion drove me to involve myself in farming throughout my time at school, a gap year upon leaving school and indeed in subsequent years.
I have found that I am very interested in animal health, especially ruminant nutrition, reproduction and infectious disease management. These are three interrelated areas that are absolutely essential to the viability of every dairying and beef production enterprise and innovation and development in these areas will continue to drive progression in these industries and will help to underpin their success into the future. Upon finishing my degree, I look forward to approaching these areas from a scientific perspective and looking at ways to refine practices on both an individual farm and a whole industry level.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been awarded the Horizon Scholarship. The opportunities to meet both current and future agricultural professionals, as well as being able to undertake industry placements on leading farms with highly successful management practices are things that I believe will help to prepare me for a successful career in the industry.
Through Dairy Australia, I am looking forward to the unique opportunity I will have to look at how leading dairying operations establish and achieve their very high production goals, and seeing things that these individual farms analyse and act upon in order to improve their year-on-year performance.
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Demi Taylor
Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Communications (Journalism) at Charles Sturt University
My name is Demi Taylor and I am studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Communications (Journalism) at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga.
I grew up on my family’s mixed-enterprise farm in Taylorville, South Australia; an area named after my Great, Great Grandparents. I’ve been exposed to many valuable opportunities within the industry, and growing up on the land with encouraging and open-minded parents lead me to live an enriched childhood that ignited my passion for agriculture and the rural lifestyle from a young age.
My primary interest lies within the cereal cropping and grains industry, particularly in regard to broadacre and dryland farming, having grown up in an area with an annual average rainfall of less than 250mls. Upon graduating, I aim to pursue a career as an Agricultural Extension Officer. I aspire to eliminate communication barriers between scientist and producer, and to ensure individuals of diverse socio-economic and socio-cultural backgrounds receive the necessary information and up-to-date research needed to increase on-farm productivity and improve Australian soils.
As a recipient of the Agrifutures Horizon Scholarship, I am fortunate to be involved in a community of like-minded individuals who have chosen to dedicate their lives to a more sustainable future in agriculture. I am eager to develop both my personal and professional leadership skills from the various networking, workshopping and placement opportunities, and to be a positive role model for prospective young women within the industry.
I am grateful to have GRDC on board as my sponsor, and I am beyond excited to form a personal partnership with the corporation in order to draw on their experiences, learn about existing challenges and opportunities within the industry and to gain insight on all things RD&E!
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Emelia Inwood
Sponsored by FMC Australasia
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England
My name is Emelia Inwood and I grew up as the third of five children on our family property on the outskirts of Bathurst, where our focus is on merino superfine wool production I grew up in Bathurst. This is where my strong interest in agriculture stems from. My siblings and I will be the fourth generation on our farm. I was able to complete my schooling locally and enjoyed many opportunities to become involved in agricultural, musical, and sporting community programs and events. I’m currently in my fourth year undertaking a double degree; Bachelor of Agriculture and Bachelor of Laws, at the University of New England.
I have a strong interest in superfine wool production as well as the legal aspect of agriculture. My desire is to work and contribute to rural communities, particularly assisting in the area of agricultural policy development and advancement of industry standards. With increasing pressure on Australia to feed and clothe a growing world population, I look forward to being a participant in my generation’s contribution to Australia’s food and fibre industries.
I am honoured to be a 2021 Horizon scholar. Simply knowing that AgriFutures believes in me to the extent of providing me with this scholarship is just as valuable as the economic and educational support that the scholarship provides. I am excited by the networking opportunities both in relation to the connections I will make within the agricultural industry as well as with other scholars. I am looking forward to the opportunities to extend my knowledge and engage with industry professionals.
My sponsor, FMC Australasia is clearly a people focussed company, with almost unlimited opportunity to experience different focusses on vocation and benefit from their sheer scale and geographic coverage of the world. After watching a corporate video about FMC Australasia, I was left excited and grateful that FMC Australasia sponsored my scholarship. Sustainability and innovation are two of their key focus points and these align well with my desire to contribute to the future of agricultural production.
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Emily Lavis
Sponsored by AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program
Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University
My name is Emily Lavis and I study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. I grew up on my family’s beef cattle property just outside of Braidwood and attended the local primary school, then travelled each down by bus to high school in Goulburn. Growing up I was always super keen to be involved in farm work with Mum and Dad and after leaving high school I took a gap year and worked on a cattle station in the Northern Territory.
I have always been very passionate about all thing Agriculture from a young age, in particular beef cattle. Growing up on a farm, like many farm kids instils a strong love for the land and while I have thought about other career paths it always comes back to Agriculture. I started studying in Wagga Wagga in 2019 and while I was very set on a career more related to animals, my degree has opened my eyes up to other parts of agriculture I thoroughly enjoy. I’m very interested in beef genetics and technologies improving beef production and when I finish my degree I would be very interested in a career down this path.
It’s a great honour and privilege to be awarded the Horizon Scholarship. I’m looking forward to building my skills especially regarding networking and communicating with other like mind people who also have a lot to offer the industry. I’m also looking forward to expanding my knowledge and outlook on agriculture and become more aware of the issues the industry faces as we move forward into the future. Networking is incredibly important, I’m excited to meet the other scholars and industry professionals and am looking forward to the personal and professional development workshop. I aim to take the most out of those couple of days and meet an array of people and hear their story as well.
I am very excited to be sponsored by the Agrifutures Emerging Industries program to learn more and see firsthand at what they do. As population and demand for food grows It important to make the most of emerging industries. I am excited to see what emerging industries they are currently working on and the commercial aspect of those industries. I’m very thankful to be sponsored and I look forward to opportunities that may arise.
I am excited to be part of the next generation of Agriculture. I am incredibly grateful for the Horizon Scholarship and the opportunities it will bring, and I aim to make the most out of every opportunity as I learn more about the industry.
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Gemma Hancock
Sponsored by Australian Eggs
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at The University of Sydney
I grew up in Maitland, a city in the Hunter Valley, and although I don’t come from a farming background, my interest in agriculture and care for the land came from spending school holidays with my dad on a property in Merriwa doing soil research. I’ve always had a passion for science, animals and the environment, so going into veterinary medicine seemed like a natural choice.
I am interested in the study of disease, and particularly zoonotic diseases in domestic species, and how the constant changes in environmental factors affect the spread of disease. After I complete my degree, I also hope to play a role in animal welfare in the poultry and livestock industry.
I am honoured to be chosen as a 2021 Scholar and to be sponsored by Australian Eggs as it means I have been given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the poultry and egg industry. I am also looking forward to meeting other recipients of the Horizon Scholarship, networking with industry professionals and learning more about how I can play a role in the future of Australia’s food security.
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Hanlie Lubbe
Sponsored by FMC Australasia
Bachelor of Rural Science at University of New England
My name is Hanlie Lubbe, and I am studying a Bachelor of Rural Science, at the University of New England. I am from Hodgson Vale just outside of Toowoomba, QLD.
Born in South Africa, I immigrated to Texas, QLD, when I was 5 years old. I spent my childhood growing up on my family’s beef cattle property and this instigated my passion for the agricultural industry. After graduating high school, I have worked for a genetics company, Neogen & a breed society, Australian Wagyu Association. This has brought to life my passion for the science behind agriculture and the many opportunities we have to increase our productivity.
It has been through my gap year, several work experiences and job opportunities that I have further narrowed my passion to genetics & nutrition, specifically in relation to the red meat industry. I am passionate about the many opportunities Australian agriculture has to progress, and develop innovative ways to produce the high quality our produce is renowned for. I am specifically interested in the genetic and nutritional developments and hope to work in these fields when I graduate. I hope that throughout my career I am able to be a positive role model to those younger than me and encourage them to take the many opportunities the Australian agricultural industry provides with both hands.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunities brought by this scholarship. I look forward to growing in my knowledge of the industry alongside like-minded individuals and being mentored by those already making their marks on the industry. I am eager for the opportunity to be working with FMC Australasia, learning about their company and broadening my horizons to understand their industry further. I hope through our partnership, I will grow in understanding of areas of the industry I did not previously consider as potential career avenues.
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Harrison Dunning
Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies at The University of Sydney
My name is Harri Dunning and I am 21 years-old and studying Food Science and Agribusiness at the University of Sydney. Having grown up in Sydney, my interest in agriculture started from a young age visiting friends’ properties throughout NSW and was then developed through the passion of my Agriculture teacher at school.
Attending a global university has afforded me the opportunity to make friendships throughout Australia and the world. This has truly opened my eyes to the importance and unique opportunities that exist within the Australian agricultural sector.
I’m interested in the development of harvest and post-harvest technologies, particularly within the grain industry and how our supply chains can best be leveraged to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for all involved.
I also hope to one day share my passion through education, raising a greater awareness and exposing young people to the world of agriculture especially in non-rural communities.
I’m so excited to be partnered with the GRDC as this will allow me to gain valuable, hands-on experience and develop lifelong relationships. I can’t wait to get my feet on the ground and be directly involved with the new technologies and innovative practices that will be used to meet our food and fibre production goals for the future.
I feel so grateful to be a part of this program and look forward to meeting other likeminded individuals who I will undoubtedly be working alongside, contributing to Australian Agriculture well into the future.
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Jack Jansen
Sponsored by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
Bachelor of Rural Science at University of New England
My name is Jack Jansen, and I grew up on a small beef property just out of Camden, NSW. This is what initially sparked my interest in agriculture particularly the Australian beef industry. This passion of mine continued to grow throughout school as I participated in many cattle and sheep shows and judging competitions as well as angus youth roundup events.
I then took a gap year between school and starting university on a large cattle station in the gulf of Carpentaria at Van Rook Station. This was a very eye-opening experience, and I loved every minute of it.This led me to follow my passion of beef cattle production in my university studies by enrolling in a Bachelor of Rural Science at University of New England. Although the meat industry is where my passion is, I believe having a broader knowledge of the industry and farming systems is crucial.
I am passionate about assisting the Australian beef industry to provide the most delicious, nutritious, and sustainable meat to an ever-growing population. I am also passionate about being a positive role model to young people wishing to pursue a career within the red meat industry and highlighting the wide range of available opportunities. I am particularly excited about the increase in data availability within the red meat industry and its adoption throughout the supply chain enabling greater quality control and traceability.
Upon the completion of my degree, I wish to gain further experience across the entire red meat supply chain with a graduate position at a large vertically integrated red meat processor. Longer term, my career aspirations also include becoming part of the senior management team of a red meat processor and then a livestock consultant so I can help producers navigate problems across the supply chain and provide the highest quality meat possible.
The Horizon Scholarship is extremely well known and well sort after, so it means a great deal to me to be selected as one of the recipients. I am excited for the great networking opportunities the scholarship provides which will allow me to meet new people within the red meat industry and the broader Australian agricultural industry. I am excited for the personal and professional development workshop and to talk to like-minded young agricultural enthusiasts and learn from them.
I am extremely excited by the opportunity to work alongside MLA and learn more about the whole supply chain from production, research and marketing of red meat products. I am excited by the networking opportunities and experience I have to gain by working with such a prominent company within the red meat industry.
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Lachlan White
Sponsored by Dairy Australia
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies at The University of Sydney
My name is Lachlan White, and I grew up in Scone NSW and attended the local Public School and High School. I enjoy playing rugby and camping in my spare time. My passion for agriculture developed during high school through the school cattle show team and work experience during my holidays. After school I had a gap year working for a cattle breeding farm near Scone. I am currently studying in my third year of university and I also work on a dairy farm in Aberdeen, NSW milking 700 cows.
I am passionate about dairy and beef cattle production and pasture management. In the future I wish to be a dairy farm manager or consulting agronomist.
I am extremely grateful to have been selected for a Horizon Scholarship. The opportunities the scholarship present for me are incredibly exciting as they will help me develop my skills and knowledge to ensure I am best prepared to enter the workforce after I graduate university. I am most looking forward to meeting new people and building a network within the industry.
I really look forward to working with my sponsor Dairy Australia as I am passionate about the dairy industry and the opportunities which the industry presents. I am excited about working with Dairy Australia as I believe I will gain a broader understanding of how different dairy farms are managed to best suit their individual situations to hopefully develop a broader understanding which will help me for my future career.
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Lilly Rehbein
Sponsored by Hort Innovation
Bachelor of Agribusiness/Bachelor of Sustainable Agriculture at The University of Queensland
My name is Lilly Rehbein and I’m studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness/Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Queensland.
My interest in agriculture began when a was a young girl following my Dad around on our family farm in Bundaberg, Queensland. We produced a wide array of fruits and vegetables including sweet corn, potatoes, watermelons, and ginger. I spent all my time in the tractor and in the field checking for insects. I have always had a strong attachment to the farm and the everchanging landscape that comes with it. In the last few years, my family has moved away from open field farming into hydroponics where we can control the amount of water and fertiliser being fed to the plants. This environment gives us a continual yield that is not impacted by weather.
My passion is in the horticultural industry. I am intrigued by the development of drone programs and variable rate technology. After university, I am hoping to enter into a career working with technology to help farmers increase yield rates and production efficiency.
I am incredibly grateful for this experience and am eager to meet like-minded people and learn about the emerging trends and issues in Australia’s ever-growing ag sector. I am excited to work with Hort Innovation to develop myself as a leader in the Australian horticultural industry.
Agriculture is an evolving industry that continues to become more and more interesting. There is always new technology and programs being created that are adapting to the way we are growing crops and utilising the land.
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Matilda Meppem
Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Business Management at The University of Queensland
My name is Matilda Meppem and I grew up on a cropping and cattle property between Westmar and Meandarra, 3 and half hours west of Toowoomba. After attending boarding school from year 7-12 in Toowoomba, I then went on to study in Brisbane, where I am now in my fifth year of a dual degree in civil engineering and business management. Engineering seemed like a natural fit for me combining my passion for maths and science with a practical upbringing. During university I am involved in many roles such as women in engineering, a school outreach program to encourage more women in to STEM related degrees. Outside of university I love to travel, taking time in my university holidays to work in the Canadian ski fields for two seasons and a start-up company in Shanghai.
Having grown up on the land I have a deep appreciation for one of the lifeblood of the agriculture industry, water. I believe that it was this upbring that guided my interest and specialization in water engineering. As an aspiring civil engineer, the infrastructure and management of water is an area that I find technically very interesting and presents the opportunity for ongoing innovation to support the needs of the agriculture industry. Another passion of mine is bridging the connection between research and how to monetize this for stakeholders. When I graduate I would love to be in role where I can marry my technical engineering skills in a business orientated way.
I am extremely honoured to be awarded with such a well-regarded and prestigious scholarship that has been instrumental in opening doors for many students that have gone before me. I am most excited for the connection that I will make with my fellow scholars and the opportunity to grow from knowledge and network within the agriculture industry.
I am very excited at the prospect of working with GRDC because I have been in awe of their ongoing commitment to Australia’s grains industry through investing in Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) to generate innovative solutions for Australian grain growers.
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Paris Capell
Sponsored by Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA)
Bachelor of Science/Master of Science at Australian National University
My name is Paris Capell, and I grew up on small properties outside Orange, NSW in a really diverse agricultural region. I have been lucky enough to be exposed to horticulture, grazing, cropping and forestry which really sparked my interest in agriculture. I am now studying a vertical double degree at the Australian National University, of a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Agricultural Innovations.
I am really interested in sustainable agriculture and the intersection between forestry and food production. Farm forestry, agroforestry and silvopastures are emerging practices I am really passionate about which can benefit landscapes and communities. The emerging bushfood industry like wattle farming and Traditional Owner led business is also something I’m really interested in, as well as agtech and its role in carbon farming, both through forest and soil carbon sequestration. When I finish my degree, I would love to work in these areas and help strengthen the interface between research and implementation on the ground.
Being awarded a Horizon Scholarship means so much, because it’s more than just financial support: it develops your leadership skills, allows professional development, and fuels your passion in agriculture. You can’t find that level of support anywhere else, or the opportunity to be involved at the front of industry innovations right at the beginning of your career. I am really looking forward to networking with industry leaders and making connections with the other scholars and I can’t wait to learn more about upcoming agricultural innovations.
I am also so excited to be sponsored by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern (CRCNA) Australia because of the opportunity to be involved in research that benefits both the productivity and sustainability of the North. The opportunity to work with Traditional Owners and develop enterprises which will benefit local communities is also incredibly exciting, and I am so grateful to CRCNA for this opportunity.
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Patrick Armstrong
Sponsored by Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Murdoch University
My name is Patrick Armstrong and I grew up in the small coastal town of Apollo Bay, along Victoria’s south-west coast. I was raised on a small-scale dairy in the hills around Apollo Bay, until my family moved into town when I was about five.
After graduating from the local school, I spent time travelling through South America and Europe, as well as within Australia. My trips throughout Australia have given me a great appreciation for the rural and less-travelled parts of the country, which influenced my decision to move to Perth to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). Since then, I have become really passionate about the degree and its content and look forward to my next two years.
I am passionate about the fields of ecology and environmental science, systems thinking and design, and nutrition and wellbeing. Agriculture became a real passion when it occurred to me that these seemingly unrelated fields are all related to one another through food production. A broad interest in agriculture has since developed into a focus on regenerative and Indigenous farming practices, seaweed crops, biochar, biological water treatments, and the potential for carbon sequestration through agriculture.
When I finish my degree, I want to help implement and research sustainable solutions to land management issues, and do so in a way that secures positive social and ecological outcomes for those involved. I then want to use the skills and knowledge I gain working in the industry, to achieve my longer-term goal of running my own business and small-scale farm.
To have been awarded a Horizon Scholarship makes me feel really motivated to learn how to apply scientific and culturally informed engineering designs to food production systems. I am most looking forward to meeting people directly involved with agriculture, and to hear their on-farm experiences and see how this lines up with the theories and science that I have been educated in.
I am really excited to be sponsored by the Cooperative Research Centre for Northern Australia (CRCNA), and hope to gain experience working in remote areas in the northern part of Australia and learn more about the field of Indigenous land management.
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Pippa Pryor
Sponsored by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
Bachelor of Rural Science at University of New England
My name is Pippa Pryor and I grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Although I grew up by the beach, a farm stay in Walcha when I was five years old changed my life forever. After the official chores were done and the other kids went back to their families, I tagged along with the farmer, asking endless questions. I wanted to know why and how everything worked. Each year we went back, and I got to do more and more actual farming.
As a teenager studying Agriculture at high school, my farm weeks were spent doing all the work experience I could get. As well as working with animals, I learnt about cropping, sustainable agriculture and how the systems on a farm work. Getting accepted to study Rural Science at University of New England was a dream come true. I’ve moved permanently to Armidale and am loving living and working in the country where I want to base my career.
I’m passionate about promoting positive change to agricultural systems, especially tackling the food sustainability issues relating to climate change. When I finish my degree, I hope to help solve some of the industry’s biggest problems by implementing new technology and using science to help farmers in a practical way at scale.
It is an honour to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship and to have the opportunity to network with the people who are working at the leading edge of innovation in the agricultural sector. I’m so excited to meet and learn from the best minds in the industry.
Being sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is such a privilege. MLA is a recognised leader in delivering world-class research, development and marketing outcomes and has such a positive impact on the Australian red meat industry. I know working with MLA as my sponsor will give me invaluable learning and networking opportunities.
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Sam Mac Smith
Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) at The University of Sydney
My name is Sam Mac Smith and I grew up on a cropping and prime lamb property in Central West NSW. I’m the 6th generation to have grown up on the land and my family is also involved in an oilseed processing business so I have been involved in agriculture my entire life.
After completing my HSC, I went on a gap year working as a station hand on “Miranda Downs” in the Gulf of Carpentaria near Normanton, QLD. It broadened my horizons through being exposed to an entirely different agricultural enterprise compared to home. The station ran 65,000 head of cattle on just over 1 million acres showing the impact that industry leading management practices and development can have on the productivity and efficiency of farms. It was a great experience to be out of my comfort zone and being so far from home.
This experience fanned the flame for my passion for agriculture and during my degree I have dived into as many opportunities as possible including doing work experience as an analyst at Paraway Pastoral Company as well as moving home to help manage the family property when the COVID-19 outbreak occurred. During my studies, I have become fascinated with improving the soil health and carbon levels through both cropping and grazing practices with an emphasis on pasture management. As well as the use of dual-purpose crops in order to reduce risk by providing two sources of income through graze and grain.
I am extremely grateful to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship with Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) as this will grant me the opportunity to learn from those who are at the forefront of ground-breaking research and innovation to improve farming practices and technologies, which will play a significant role in helping to feed the booming global population in the future. I am excited to be able to work with GRDC to gain firsthand insight into the leading-edge thinking of the grain industry, and the valuable networks and opportunities it will give me. Following the conclusion of my degree I would like to be involved in professional agriculture in some form whilst also maintaining my involvement in hands on primary production.
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Stephanie Hennings
Sponsored by Dairy Australia
Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business at University of New England
I am from Camden, NSW and have grown up on an Angus Cattle farm. We exhibit cattle at our local and royal shows each year (Camden show, Sydney Royal Easter Show and Canberra Royal) and I have attended numerous Angus Youth Roundup cattle events. I have extended my agricultural knowledge into dairy cattle where I have completed casual work in a farm services team for a dairy company.
I am passionate about the future of agriculture both domestically and internationally. My major passion is within the cattle industry and I would love to use both my agricultural and business degree to assist producers in meeting their farm goals and improve both business and farm profitability and sustainability. In my work and studies, I have realised community networks are vital for prosperity of rural towns and individual wellbeing. I would love to increase engagement and connectivity between producers themselves and to businesses for greater support networks and farmer wellbeing. I feel this is vital for the sustainability of farming as it provides a support network for farmers and enables them to acquire higher skillsets and strengthen relationships for greater wellbeing. Being able to make a personal difference in farmer’s lives and promote the importance of agriculture within local towns is a vision of mine.
The scholarship will allow me to increase my knowledge in an array of industries whilst opening doors for future experiences. I am most looking forward to the opportunities and career development it will provide and to meet people from diverse backgrounds and expertise. I look forward to having Dairy Australia as a mentor and the valuable experiences I will gain from placement opportunities and learning more about the challenges and trends in the sector.
It’s an honour to receive the scholarship and I am grateful to have this opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals and industry professionals, contributing to the future prosperity of the agricultural industry and rural communities.