Ballance Assists Four More Young Scholars

Ballance Assists Four More Young Scholars

The 2009 Ballance Agri-Nutrients Scholarships have been awarded to four more young scholars to help them complete their agricultural studies.

The recipients, all in fulltime study at universities, have won through because of their proven commitment to the rural sector, and their potential to put something back into rural communities after graduation.

‘Ballance is fully aware that the continued success of New Zealand’s agricultural industry is dependent upon the quality of the people attracted to it,’ says Warwick Catto, Head of Agro-Sciences at Ballance.

‘This year we received more than 70 applications for scholarships, and we chose these four because of their stand-out potential to add significant value to the rural sector as graduates.’

The 2009 scholarships are worth $4,000 a year, for up to three years. Ballance has awarded 39 similar scholarships since 2002. Eligibility is restricted to family of Ballance shareholders or Ballance employees.

The 2009 recipients come from South Otago, Taranaki, Horowhenua and Bay of Plenty.

Anna Hughes is studying for a Bachelor of Agriscience at Massey University. She has enjoyed learning from a wide range of practical farm experiences, working on her parents’ sheep and beef farm near Rotorua and as a relief milker. She intends to pursue a career in agribusiness consultancy with the aim of owning her own farm, and would like to work on farms overseas for a few years after graduating to gain wider experience.

Andrew Lewis is the winner of the engineering scholarship offered by Ballance. He is studying for a Bachelor of Engineering-Mechatronics at Canterbury University, and is keen to pursue post-graduate work that advances the integration of computers and electronics into mechanical systems. He was raised on his parent’s asparagus farm near Levin, where he developed his interest in automated machinery. After working on dairy farms, one of his key post-graduate aims is to fully automate cowsheds.

Cameron May is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University. He grew up on his family’s sheep farm at Clydevale in South Otago and has laboured on beef, sheep and dairy farms in South Otago and Mid Canterbury. After graduating, Cameron would like to work for a large agricultural company that has a direct input into farm systems, such as fertiliser or irrigation, before going farming on his own account.

Kelsey Schultz comes from Inglewood, Taranaki, where she has gained expertise in showing stock and stockmanship to international representative level. She is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Massey University. Kelsey intends to apply her post-graduate skills to improving pastures in New Zealand so farming can become more sustainable. She also has an interest in animal genetics with a view to helping farmers achieve their goals.

ENDS

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