FMG Agriculture Scholarships announced

15 June 2005

FMG Agriculture Scholarships announced

Budding agricultural students have the chance to win $12,000 towards covering the cost of their tertiary education by writing about why they have chosen a career in farming.

New Zealand’s leading rural insurance and finance company FMG is celebrating 100 years in the rural sector with two agricultural scholarships at Lincoln and Massey University.

FMG General Manager Marketing David Clapperton today announced at the National Fieldays in Hamilton, that FMG’s agriculture scholarships would include cash grants of $4000 per year for three consecutive years of study.

The scholarships would be available to those undertaking agricultural study in 2006 at either Lincoln University or Massey University.

“We are committed to the rural sector and we see education as a vital source of the continuing development of the industry,” Mr Clapperton said.

“We are celebrating 100 years of business in various ways throughout the year and the scholarship is another positive community initiative.

“FMG recognises the importance of giving something back to those who support us, and one way we do this is through sponsorship. We get involved in numerous community activities from lamb & calf days to sporting events to rural competitions,” he added.

The scholarship can be used for course fees and materials.

The chairman of the Applied Science Scholarships Committee at Massey University Dr Kerry Harrington said the scholarship would attract a high calibre of applicants.

“FMG is a high profile company with the rural sector and the scholarship will be highly sought after,” Mr Harrington said.

Lincoln University senior lecturer in animal breeding and genetics Dr Jon Hickford, added that a scholarship was a great way of gaining a tertiary qualification and would lead to greater opportunities after graduating.

Applications are open to people who either intend to study agriculture through a Bachelor of Agriculture, Bachelor of Agriculture Science, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) or Bachelor of Science and intend to commence full-time study at either Lincoln University or Massey University in 2006.

Applications forms are available from any FMG branch or call 0800 366 466 or www.fmg.co.nz

Applicants as part of the application are asked to submit a 1000 word essay on “Why I have chosen agriculture as a career” and a personal profile.

Applications close on 8 January 2006 and applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision by 8th February 2006.

FMG was established in 1905 by farmers seeking better products and services for their insurance needs and the company has grown to become the undisputed market leader and New Zealand’s specialist rural insurance group.

Today the company’s membership has grown to over 55,000, with a staff of 225 and 23 branches throughout New Zealand. Further information:

ENDS

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