Emma Holmes | AgriFutures Australia Skip to main content

Emma Holmes

emma holmes 2025 horizon scholar

I am currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of New England, with plans to complete a fourth year through a Bachelor of Science (Honours). Growing up in Wee Waa, Australia’s Cotton Capital, agriculture has always played a central role in my life. It has shaped my passion for agricultural science, particularly in plant breeding and crop research.

My interest in cotton has grown through hands-on experience, including work in cotton agronomy and with the wheat research team in Narrabri. These roles have allowed me to explore the complexities of crop management, data collection, trial design, and plant performance under varying conditions. Working alongside industry professionals has given me insight into the challenges and opportunities within modern cropping systems and sparked a strong interest in genetic improvement and sustainable production. I’ve also developed skills in interpreting trial data and understanding how research outcomes can be applied at a farm level to improve productivity and efficiency.

I’m incredibly grateful to the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) for sponsoring me through the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship. This opportunity allows me to develop my skills further, expand my professional network, and pursue my goal of contributing to the cotton industry’s future through research and innovation.