2023 Horizon Scholars

 

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Alice Alexander

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at The University of Adelaide

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A smiling person in glasses and a plaid shirt kneels on grass beside a brown and white goat with a yellow ear tag, while more goats graze in the sunlit field behind them, showcasing sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Arran Hersburgh

Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University

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Ben Peden

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) at The University of Sydney

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A smiling man in a blue checkered shirt kneels on grass beside a large brown and black dog, with trees and a body of water in the background, perhaps reflecting after a day of development or research.

Charlie Shadwell

Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University

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A person in a black shirt smiles while leaning on a balcony railing. Behind them, palm trees, a lawn, and a swimming pool are visible against a colorful rural sunset sky by the ocean in Australia.

Daniel Bronitt

Bachelor of Biotechnology and Science (Agricultural Innovation (Maj.) and Mathematics (Min.)) at the Australian National University

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A smiling woman with long dark hair and glasses stands next to a brown horse with a white stripe on its face, outdoors on grassy farmland, highlighting her passion for agriculture amid trees and a partly cloudy sky.

Ella Fleming

Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland

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A young woman with long brown hair smiles in front of a lush green, rural background with hanging tendrils. She is wearing a brown collared shirt and standing outdoors next to a stone wall.

Ellie Buchanan

Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne

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A smiling woman with tied-back hair stands outdoors in front of leafy green trees, wearing a black collared shirt with a red logo on the left side. Sunlight filters through the foliage, highlighting her passion for agriculture research in Australia.

Georgie Oldham

Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England

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A young woman with long brown hair, wearing a blue shirt, stands smiling on a grassy rural lawn with green trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

Grace Moloney

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at The University of Adelaide

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A young woman with blonde hair wearing a dark sweater smiles while standing outdoors in a field with tall grass and bare trees, capturing the natural beauty of rural Australia.

Haylee Murrell

Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England

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A young woman with long, wavy hair smiles while standing outdoors in a rural setting, wearing a light purple button-up shirt. Behind her is a natural background of trees and greenery.

Holly Miller

Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England

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A young woman in a graduation gown smiles outdoors, with green trees and a brick building in the background, celebrating her research achievements in chicken meat in Australia.

Imogen Morison

Bachelor of Agribusiness at the University of Queensland

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A young man with short brown hair, wearing a blue polo shirt, stands outside in a rural garden or park area, smiling at the camera. Trees and greenery, highlighting agricultural development, are visible in the background.

Isaac Halling

Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Plant Agricultural Science) at the University of Southern Queensland

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A man wearing a red and white striped shirt and blue jeans stands outdoors in a sunny rural garden in Australia, surrounded by green plants, trees, and a metal garden structure in the background.

James White

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University

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A young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a white sweater, smiles while standing in a grassy field under a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by trees and signs of thriving agriculture in the background.

Jarrah Ransome

Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of New England

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A smiling man in a bright blue button-up shirt stands outdoors on a grassy, rural field with trees and rolling hills in the background under a cloudy sky.

Joshua Ronalds

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University

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Lucy Ford

Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University

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A person with curly hair, wearing a turquoise button-up shirt, stands outdoors in a rural grassy field with trees and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

Lucy Walsh

Bachelor of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University

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A woman with brown hair tied back, wearing a navy jacket and white shirt, stands smiling in front of a green agricultural field, trees, and a bright blue sky with clouds.

Natalie Sawyer

Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England

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A person wearing a white button-up shirt stands smiling in front of a lush bush with bright pink flowers, outdoors in sunny weather, reflecting the vibrant agriculture of Australia.

Niamh Mason

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Queensland

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Teale Simmons

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) at The University of Sydney

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Tessa Cook

Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University

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Alice Alexander

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at The University of Adelaide

Sponsored by AgriFutures Export Fodder Program

I grew up on a small farm just outside Mount Gambier in the lower Southeast of South Australia. While I have always loved raising cattle, I didn’t become interested in studying agriculture until I completed a research project on cattle feed supplements and methane emissions in year 12. I am now in my second year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences at The University of Adelaide.

I am passionate about combining research and science with agriculture to make Australia a global leader in high quality produce while remaining sustainable and profitable. I have a growing interest in plant genetics and its impact on yields and plant strength. When I finish my degree, I would like to work in plant research as I love the combination of field trials and lab work and working with a broad range of people.

I am excited at the opportunities for industry experience that being awarded a Horizon Scholarship will give me. I am most looking forward to meeting the other recipients at the workshops and hearing their stories and experiences.

Gaining experience and accessing expert knowledge and skills in the field of Export Fodder is an amazing opportunity for me. I think there is so much for me to learn and such a positive future for Australia in this area of agriculture globally. This will allow me to make connections that I would otherwise not have the opportunity to discover.

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A smiling person in glasses and a plaid shirt kneels on grass beside a brown and white goat with a yellow ear tag, while more goats graze in the sunlit field behind them, showcasing sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Arran Hersburgh

Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University

Sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)

I grew up in the Melbourne suburbs, going to school in town and spending my weekends on my grandfather’s property, craving the open space and different work. After taking a gap year to work and travel, I moved up north to Townsville to start studying, and my love for livestock production has only grown since.

I’m fascinated by the role new technologies and artificial intelligence are going to play in the move to autonomous farming. I want to use a knowledge of veterinary science to help integrate infrastructure that can improve our efficiency. I have a keen interest in genetics and how they might be manipulated to support future viability of the industry, as well as exploring new market opportunities for red meat production.

I am immensely grateful to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship and gain support from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). Learning from industry experts and working with peers I hope to grow ideas to improve livestock productivity, reproductive ability and disease surveillance. It’s important to me to make connections to broaden experiences beyond my own and so I’m looking forward to meeting others from different sectors.

I’m excited to see the what the future of cattle, goat and sheep production looks like through MLA’s research and network. With their guidance, I want to gain insight into the problems facing meat production in modern Australia and where veterinary science can help meet demands. I hope through discussion, networking and industry placements I can broaden my perspective and capacity.

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Ben Peden

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) at The University of Sydney

Sponsored by AgriFutures evokeAG.

I grew up on Sydney’s North shore where I developed a passion for Agriculture in high school at Barker College. Through my enjoyment of the HSC course, I pursued a degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney where I now am completing my third year.

I am motivated by the need to feed a rapidly growing population. I think that given demand, there is a lot of room for different practices to increase yields while maintaining environmental protection – I feel that technology has a large role to play in this. I would love to be involved with the Agritech sector, and while I don’t have a particular job in mind, I know it is an exciting place to be.

I am incredibly humbled to be awarded the Horizon Scholarship – as an urban kid, it gives a great platform to engage with those working rurally to allow for shared knowledge and advancement of the industry. I am most looking forward to the internship possibilities and meeting likeminded university students.

Working with evokeAG. is particularly exciting as they play a major role in broadcasting Agrifood innovations to the industry. They are a catalyst for the advancement of technology in the Ag sector and I can’t wait to be involved in their programs.

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Charlie Shadwell

Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University

Sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI)

I grew up in suburban Dubbo and was fortunate to have direct family close by that owned and operated sheep, cattle and cropping enterprises, allowing me to develop a strong passion for the agricultural industry. To further develop this, I left Dubbo in 2013 and commenced my secondary schooling at Farrer in Tamworth, where I was heavily involved in all aspects of the agricultural enterprises run at the school. This included the management, genetic selection and breeding programs associated with the White Suffolk and Merino flocks, where I discovered my love for sheep artificial breeding and genetic advancement. I’m very passionate about the way it can help us achieve rapid genetic advancements to improve the quality and quantity of meat and fibre that we produce.

In 2019, after the completion of my HSC, I was fortunate enough to secure a position into the Veterinary Science degree at CSU in Wagga. After the completion of my degree in 2024, I wish to enter this sector of the industry.

I’m truly grateful to be given this opportunity and super excited for all the network and knowledge building opportunities that this program allows us to achieve, through workshops and specific industry targeted placements.

I’m ecstatic to have the Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) as my sponsor and can’t wait to get a better understanding of their operation and the main factors influencing the productivity of sheep reproduction, including woolgrower education and best practice management, ewe nutrition and supplementary feeding, mob dynamics and climate variability on sheep reproductive health.

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A person in a black shirt smiles while leaning on a balcony railing. Behind them, palm trees, a lawn, and a swimming pool are visible against a colorful rural sunset sky by the ocean in Australia.

Daniel Bronitt

Bachelor of Biotechnology and Science (Agricultural Innovation (Maj.) and Mathematics (Min.)) at the Australian National University

Sponsored by AgriFutures Rice Program

I was born in Canberra but moved up to Brisbane when I was quite young. When I finished high school, I decided to return to Canberra to capitalise on the tertiary education opportunities and be closer to my family here. I have really enjoyed my time studying in Canberra and hope to start my honours in late 2024.

I am passionate about the potential applications of biotechnology to shape sustainable agriculture. When I finish my undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Biotechnology and Science, majoring in Agricultural Innovation and Mathematics), I hope to either pursue a PhD focused on crop resilience or fortification, or enter the workforce with a focus on either biosecurity or research and development with applications in Agriculture.

Being awarded the Horizon Scholarship means an enormous amount to me as I feel it validates a lot of hard work I have put into my undergraduate studies. I am really excited about utilising the scholarship to further extend my experiences and capabilities by working closely with industry and other Scholars in completely different environments than I am used to.

Rice Australia’s focus on optimizing genetics through plant breeding is particularly interesting to me. As I lack experience in plant breeding, I hope to use my industry work placements to better understand the space. I am also really looking forward to getting out into the field and better understanding how agricultural rice systems function effectively.

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A smiling woman with long dark hair and glasses stands next to a brown horse with a white stripe on its face, outdoors on grassy farmland, highlighting her passion for agriculture amid trees and a partly cloudy sky.

Ella Fleming

Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland

Sponsored by AgriFutures Throughbred Horses Program

I grew up in Brisbane with a love for animals, especially horses. Whilst at school, I spent as much time as possible with my horse and tried to learn as much as I could about all things equine. After high school, I moved west to Gatton to begin my Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

I have always been passionate about caring for performance horses. Since commencing my veterinary studies, I have also discovered that I am very interested in reproduction and the best ways to optimise reproductive performance and disease control. I would love to work in a mixed veterinary practice initially and then pursue my passions, whether it be in equine medicine, reproduction or controlling emerging disease threats.

I am incredibly honoured to have been awarded a Horizon Scholarship. The industry work placement is an amazing opportunity to experience working with elite equine athletes and learn the ins and outs of equine reproduction. I’m also really looking forward to networking with other scholars and industry professionals and excited to take the next steps in developing my career opportunities.

I am thrilled to be working with the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program and for the opportunities to meet and learn from some of the top Thoroughbred industry professionals.

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Ellie Buchanan

Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne

Sponsored by Dairy Australia

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne. I spent most of my childhood in Sydney before relocating to Mudgee as a teenager. Throughout high school, my interest in agriculture was ignited and developed thanks to passionate teachers and engagement with peers from farming families and rural backgrounds.

The Australian agricultural industry has incredible depth and diversity, which makes it extremely exciting. I am passionate about supporting farmers and rural communities in becoming well equipped to ‘farm for the future’. This interest extends to encompass the development and integration of innovative science and technology-based solutions within the sector.

It is a privilege to have been awarded an AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship – this is a great opportunity which will allow me to learn, develop and grow. The Scholarship will also provide me with invaluable insight into potential professional pathways upon completion of my degree.

I am grateful to Dairy Australia for their sponsorship and am looking forward to learning more about how the organisation operates and meeting the people within the dairy community.

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Georgie Oldham

Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England

Sponsored by Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC)

I grew up in metropolitan Sydney with little exposure to agriculture throughout my childhood, although after completing high school at Barker College, my interest in agriculture developed. I was lucky enough to have incredibly supportive and motivating teachers who fostered my passion for agriculture. After completing my HSC, I moved to Armidale to attend the University of New England and study a Batchelor of Rural Science.

I am passionate about plant breeding and genetics, specifically the use of biotechnology within agriculture to achieve more sustainable and profitable production systems. Next year, I am hoping to complete my honours project on cotton and am looking forward to working with the Cotton Research & Development Corporation (CRDC) on innovative research. I would like to have a career in research, specifically cotton breeding.

I am so incredibly grateful to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship and am thrilled to be given the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and industry professionals and progress my career. Receiving this Scholarship has granted me the opportunity to be involved with and work in the cotton industry – something I never envisioned to be possible given my non-traditional agricultural upbringing.

It is an honour to be able to set an example for women and people from non-traditional farming backgrounds within the industry.

I am most looking forward to networking and collaborating industry professionals who have invaluable experience and other Scholars, not only to expand my own knowledge and perceptions, but also to foster change and positive progression within the industry together.

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Grace Moloney

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at The University of Adelaide

Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corportation (GRDC)

I grew up on a farming property outside of Maitland on the Yorke Peninsula. Before commencing boarding school in Adelaide, my time on the farm offered many opportunities country life can bring, including involvement within the community through team sports. Now residing at Aquinas College while undertaking my degree at the University of Adelaide, I have formed friendships with people from all over the country!

Growing up around cereal farming and gaining seasonal employment with Viterra has inspired my career passion within the grains industry. Once I have completed my university degree, I share a strong interest in Agronomy and Ag Communications but are keeping my career options open as there are endless career paths to discover within agriculture.

I am beyond privileged and honoured to receive the Horizon Scholarship. It will hopefully enable me to travel interstate and undertake work placement, while building many new connections and networks with other like-minded students from around Australia. I am especially grateful to have the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) as my sponsor, which will help me to generate many valuable resources, industry connections and rewarding opportunities within the grain sector.

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A young woman with blonde hair wearing a dark sweater smiles while standing outdoors in a field with tall grass and bare trees, capturing the natural beauty of rural Australia.

Haylee Murrell

Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England

Sponsored by Kalyx

I grew up just outside Gunnedah in Northwest NSW where I was fortunate enough to experience the incredible diversity of rural communities and agriculture every day. Since I was a teenager, I have aspired to be like all the women and men I saw every day that worked in this incredibly diverse and innovative industry.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of New England, where my passion lies with the cropping industry. I look forward to graduating and taking on a role where I can help educate and foster connections between research and on-farm implementation of technology to help improve sustainability.

I have been eagerly awaiting to apply for the Horizon Scholarship since I was in Year 12 at Gunnedah High School. I have consistently admired the Scholarship’s cohort and have always hoped one day I would be one of the incredibly privileged scholarship recipients.

The exceptional networking opportunities this scholarship provides really excites me. Not coming from a traditional farming background, I am eager to grow my community and meet fellow peers and industry leaders from different backgrounds. The Horizon scholarship allows me to immerse myself in further education while establishing a career that I am passionate about and can see myself making a difference in.

I am incredibly fortunate to be sponsored by Kalyx. Working with a business that puts me on the ground with leaders and experienced mentors with help me learn and visualise how I can contribute to the future of the industry. Coming from a region in Australia that is dominated by broadacre cropping, I am excited to gain a greater insight into different areas of cropping, agronomy and horticulture that I have not yet experienced.

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Holly Miller

Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England

Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corportation (GRDC)

I grew up in Tamworth, then my family moved to Narrabri when I was in Year 5 and have been based there ever since. Growing up in rural NSW has driven my passion for the agricultural industry – many of my extended family also live on properties with cattle and horses, but it wasn’t until I had some practical experience with a research agronomist that I found my real passion within the agricultural industry – agronomy.

I have been at the University of New England for three years now, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being exposed to new parts of the agricultural industry and learning more about how I can best help farmers. I hope that once I finish my degree I can be employed as an agronomist specialising in crop diseases, helping growers in rural NSW maximise their crop yield and overcome the constraints of plant diseases that limit productivity.

I am grateful to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship, as it provides me with an opportunity for industry exposure, hands-on experience and interaction with industry leaders while I am still studying. I’m most looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about my sponsor, Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) and gain insight into the work they do, as well as understand what other career avenues are possible within GRDC aside from agronomy. I am also excited to meet like-minded people at the annual AgriFutures Horizon workshops and learn about exciting opportunities that the industry has into the future.

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A young woman in a graduation gown smiles outdoors, with green trees and a brick building in the background, celebrating her research achievements in chicken meat in Australia.

Imogen Morison

Bachelor of Agribusiness at the University of Queensland

Sponsored by Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre

I grew up in Brisbane, however throughout my entire life, I have been taught and guided by my dad who has worked in agriculture his whole life: from being raised on a farm, to eventually building his own agribusiness.

Thanks to this exposure, I have become passionate about learning about all the different sectors along the value chain and the ways in which the value chain can become more transparent and efficient. After graduating in 2019, I took a gap year and then started studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness at the University of Queensland. However, I am open to pursuing any and all career avenues once I complete my degree. This opportunity could be an amazing way to refine this and direct me towards a specific job in the future.

I feel so honoured and am honestly in shock that I was lucky enough to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship this year. I have applied for this scholarship multiple times and being accepted this year means so much to me and makes me so excited for the endless opportunities that this scholarship creates. I am particularly excited to meet all of the other Scholars and amazing people involved in this program, which will benefit me immensely in this industry.

I am so honoured that the Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC) chose to sponsor me. I am most excited to learn about new and sustainable products, research and new findings from the marine environment. To be able to work with industry leaders closely is a dream of mine: I will gain so much exposure, awareness and knowledge about aquaculture and marine bioproducts.

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Isaac Halling

Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Plant Agricultural Science) at the University of Southern Queensland

Sponsored by AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program

I grew up working on my uncle’s grain farm in Bowenville, QLD. Throughout my final years of high school, I completed a Certificate III in Agriculture. I received an early entry offer from the University of Southern Queensland to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Plant Agricultural Science. I received the UniSQ Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship and was more able to complete a Summer Research Project for the Centre of Future Materials. I am extremely passionate about Engineering, and post-degree, I would love to work designing future agricultural machinery and equipment or even potentially working with genetically modified organisms.

The 2023 Horizon Scholarship is exceptionally important to me and a goal I set for myself early on in my tertiary education. I am most looking forward to undertaking work experience in my chosen area and learning from industry professionals. I’m very excited to see how AgriFutures Australia can bring about further opportunities for my learning and the development of machinery and equipment across all agricultural sectors. I hope that this experience contributes to my post-degree employability and opens additional pathways into the agricultural engineering space.

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James White

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University

Sponsored by Southern NSW Innovation Hub

I grew up outside of a small village named Springhurst in North East Victoria. I am lucky to be the sixth generation of a family farming enterprise nestled below Albury in the Indigo Valley. My family predominantly produce Angus and Shorthorn beef cattle with some fine Merino wool.

Growing up on the land I have always been conscious about how agriculture is an integral aspect of human health and wellbeing within our society. Throughout high school and university I have expanded my agricultural experiences by working in vineyards, dairies and broadacre grain farms throughout Victoria and Southern NSW.

It was through these experiences that I have become increasingly passionate about understanding how we can reduce reliance on chemical management, whilst increasing the quality, and nutrient density of the food we eat. This has sparked my interest in becoming a nutrition agronomist within the pastures and broadacre sector.

I am privileged and excited to further pursue these interests with the Southern NSW Innovation Hub, who share similar commitments to making agriculture more resilient through industry research and farmer lead extension projects. I am so excited to meet up with other like-minded Horizon Scholarship recipients, discovering their amazing stories, and exploring the opportunities these networking events may hold!

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A young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a white sweater, smiles while standing in a grassy field under a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by trees and signs of thriving agriculture in the background.

Jarrah Ransome

Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of New England

Sponsored by AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program

I grew up in the very supportive community of Gundagai, NSW, and am currently studying a Bachelor of Animal Science at the University of New England. Since I didn’t grow up on a large-scale property, this community alone pushed me to learn the bounds of animal science in agriculture, leading to a chain reaction of being inspired by industry and its network of people.

I’m driven to expand people’s knowledge of opportunities in agriculture, particularly advocating that agriculture is more than farming – it’s a fibrous network of people, choices and innovation, shaping global products. My ideal job is one where I can get my hands dirty, while also analysing statistics and making informed choices to establish a high value product. I want to make an impact in this world and be at the forefront of a change in the industry. I believe that with the help of the Horizon Scholarship; I can take the first step towards that goal.

I am still in denial that I have been fortunate enough to receive this scholarship. I remember being inspired by people who have already made this achievement when I was younger. I am most looking forward to furthering my passion for agriculture by networking and gaining knowledge from fellow peers and industry. In addition, I’m looking forward contributing something towards the Scholarship itself, whether that’s encouraging someone to apply for 2024 or expressing how easy it is to take the first step.

I look forward to immersing myself in an industry that does not fit the expected graduate pathway – I can see the global importance of the future of the Chicken Meat Industry, especially after learning more about recent research and development within this sector. Better yet, I look forward to contributing a young, enthusiastic but unaware mindset to the opportunities that will arise from working with the AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program.

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A smiling man in a bright blue button-up shirt stands outdoors on a grassy, rural field with trees and rolling hills in the background under a cloudy sky.

Joshua Ronalds

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University

Sponsored by Hort Innovation

I grew up on a family-owned dairy farm in Jindivick in West Gippsland, VIC. I have been fortunate to experience many different aspects of agriculture in my life. This includes experience in production, sustainable agricultural development in Zimbabwe, soil sampling for many farms and as a farmhand on my family farm. These experiences led me to study Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University.

My wide range of experience has ignited a passion in me for sustainable agricultural practices. My Christian faith and my experience in agriculture has shown me the importance of looking after our farming land. I have also seen how this consequently improves the productivity and profitability of these farms. After completing my degree, I am hoping to work in consultancy to help farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole to grow in farm productivity, profitability and sustainability.

I am honoured to be given the opportunity to receive a Horizon Scholarship and I’m looking forward to learning and experiencing new aspects of agriculture as a result. I am excited for new networking opportunities with industry and other scholars and for this scholarship to help inform my career direction.

I am thrilled to be sponsored by Hort Innovation and I’m looking forward to gaining new networks and further experience in horticulture. I am excited to see how Hort Innovation is working with stakeholders to improve R&D in the horticultural industry.

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A person wearing a wide-brimmed hat, navy shirt, and shorts sits on the open tailgate of a white pickup truck in rural Australia, smiling at the camera. Trees and fields form the scenic backdrop in this peaceful countryside setting.

Lucy Ford

Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University

Sponsored by Baiada Poultry

I grew up in Ballarat, and always had a menagerie of animals around. I felt very strongly drawn to agriculture from a young age and jumped at the opportunity to become involved in Ballarat Grammar’s Agriculture program in Year 10. I started a small business raising quail for eggs and meat in high school. I was fortunate enough to receive a Victorian Premier’s Award in 2018 for Agricultural and Horticultural Studies, and the following year I began studying Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University. I have had a number of jobs in the agricultural industry, including pruning vines in vineyards, “farm sitting,” and working at grain sites during harvest across NSW and Victoria.

My interest is really piqued by opportunities to improve animal production efficiency and profit outcomes in enterprises, but I am most passionate about animal welfare. I would love to work in a rural mixed veterinary practice when I graduate, so that I can continue to actively participate and contribute to rural and remote communities.

It feels surreal to have been awarded a Horizon Scholarship. I’m pinching myself! I’m most looking forward to meeting new people, expanding my horizons and taking every opportunity to improve my personal skillset. It is such a huge privilege to get straight into working in intensive production systems with my sponsor Baiada Poultry. I am so excited to get my foot in the door, as I previously felt like this industry was out of reach for me.

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Lucy Walsh

Bachelor of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University

Sponsored by Australian Eggs

I originally grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne, where the only experience I had in farming was visiting my grandparents on their property in country NSW. We moved to a small sheep farm in The Rock when I was 14. I fell in love with agriculture through my agriculture class at school and a few passionate teachers, and my own growing experiences at home.

I am passionate about the emerging opportunities in animal biotechnology to support animal health and the growing human population, especially in the poultry industry. When I finish my degree, I hope to be able to use what I have learnt and apply it in a more practical field. Through this, I want to support farmers in developing new ways to improve production while focusing on regenerative agriculture.

Being awarded the Horizon Scholarship for me, I hope will give me the experiences and connections to make meaningful contributions to the agricultural industry. It will give me the opportunity to connect with people from a wide range of industries and give me insight into the many amazing opportunities in Australian agriculture.

I am most looking forward to working with my sponsor, Australian Eggs and being able to gain more experience in the poultry industry. I have always loved chickens and I am keen to learn more about this amazing industry and the people in it.

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A woman with brown hair tied back, wearing a navy jacket and white shirt, stands smiling in front of a green agricultural field, trees, and a bright blue sky with clouds.

Natalie Sawyer

Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England

Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corportation (GRDC)

My love for Agriculture began when spending time on friends cropping properties at a young age. My interests grew when I first chose Agriculture as a subject in year 9. After moving to Barker College, the support from teaching staff encouraged me to pursue a career in the industry. I have since moved to Armidale and am in my third year of studying a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England. I place a high level of importance on the time I get to spend on-farm, and it has greatly cemented the passion I have for the industry.

I am passionate about innovation regarding the creation of food and fibre for a growing population within the current Australian climate. Genetic improvement through biotechnologies and precision ag techniques are main points of intrigue for me and I am looking forward to choosing an Honours project that aligns with these interests.

When I finish my degree, I would love to be involved in research and development that aims to improve cropping precision, efficiency, resilience and sustainability, particularly carbon sequestration.

It is such an honour to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship, and I am eager to make valuable connections, gain hands-on experience in work placements, and hear the perspectives of future and current industry leaders who are passionate about the Agricultural industry.

I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to work with the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) as they are at the forefront of innovative research into improving productivity in the Australian grains industry. I am very excited to gain a deeper knowledge from leading professionals at GRDC and make valuable connections in an industry which aligns with my interests and career aspirations.

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A person wearing a white button-up shirt stands smiling in front of a lush bush with bright pink flowers, outdoors in sunny weather, reflecting the vibrant agriculture of Australia.

Niamh Mason

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Queensland

Sponsored by Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC)

I grew up on a mixed enterprise farm between Finley and Jerilderie, NSW where we produce rice, wheat & canola; and run sheep & cattle. I completed the entirety of my schooling in Finley, followed by a gap year working at Rice Research Australia. I moved to Gatton, QLD, in 2022 to begin studying Agricultural Science with a major in Agronomy at the University of Queensland.

I am passionate about food and fibre sustainability and security and am interested in getting into research after my degree, such as research agronomy, plant breeding or crop pest control. I also really enjoy working with farmers and would love to have a position in the future that could help connect farmers to research.

It means a lot to me to be awarded a Horizon Scholarship and granted the opportunity to meet like-minded young people throughout all aspects of agriculture, as well as industry experts and leaders. I am most excited to make connections with people who are as passionate about Australian agriculture as I am.

While working with my sponsor Cotton Research & Development Corporation (CRDC), I’m excited to learn more about the cotton industry in general, as it’s not a crop that I’ve had a lot to do with. It’ll be exciting to potentially meet with researchers and learn more about GM cotton and how cotton varieties continue to develop, and change depending on pest and weed capabilities.

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A smiling person in a bright pink shirt stands in front of a metal fence in a rural grassy field with grazing cows and trees at sunset, capturing the peaceful setting often explored in agricultural research.

Teale Simmons

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Agriculture) at The University of Sydney

Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corportation (GRDC)

I grew up as the fifth generation on my family farm, which was originally citrus orchards until my parents introduced organic vegetables and free-range pigs. Growing up and working on our farm allowed me to develop a genuine passion for farming and developing sustainable farming practices.

I am highly passionate about improving soil and growing systems to such an extent where soils can supply the majority of a crop’s nutritional requirements, capture more water, and significantly suppress pest and disease, ultimately increasing the profitability of farming. After my degree, I want to follow my passion to help farmers improve their soil’s health by working as a consultant or agronomist that specialises in soil health.

Being awarded a Horizon Scholarship will allow me to connect with and learn from some of Australia’s best agriculturalists, accelerating me towards my goals of improving agricultural soils across Australia. Typically soils that are cropped have the biggest opportunity to be improved, and being sponsored by the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) will allow me to learn more about this system and the ways in which it can be improved by focusing on soil health.

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A woman with blonde hair in a ponytail stands in front of lush green foliage, wearing a blue and white striped shirt with the name Tessa and a research logo on it. She is smiling slightly at the camera, embodying rural charm.

Tessa Cook

Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University

Sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)

I grew up on a mixed enterprise cattle and cropping property approximately 60km North-west of Clermont. I attended a little bush school on the edge of my property and for my high school education I attended the Stuartholme School in Brisbane. After five years of boarding school, I returned home where I worked for two years and then applied to study a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University in Townsville. I am now in my fourth year and loving every second of it.

I am passionate about the beef industry, in particular bovine reproduction and genetics. I was fortunate enough in my gap years to complete a pregnancy testing and artificial insemination (AI) certificate through the Emerald Agricultural College, which drove me to broaden my knowledge and apply to study Veterinary Science. Pregnancy testing, AI, IVF and embryo transfer have all sparked my interest from a young age and has been a focus of mine throughout my studies.

It is a privilege to be offered the Horizon Scholarship and have the opportunity to connect with like-minded people in the agricultural industry. The work and advocacy that my sponsor Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has as a spokesperson and investor in the agricultural industry is both inspiring and motivating. The networking opportunities and knowledge that I will acquire from working with MLA is exciting as I am always eager to broaden my knowledge on the current workings of the agricultural industry.