The diversity of New South Wales’ vibrant agriculture sector has been reflected in the announcement of five innovative farmers being awarded prestigious Nuffield Scholarships for 2018 for research across the wine, dairy, horticulture, chicken meat and grains industries.
Announced at the Annual Awards Dinner, part of the Nuffield Australia National Conference, the Scholarships will provide each with a $30,000 bursary to fund a 16-week program to undertake research into their chosen study areas across the globe.
This is the first time the National Conference has been held in Darwin, with a variety of delegates from both Australian and international agricultural supply chains in attendance to hear the latest research findings and to meet with Scholars.
The 2018 Nuffield Scholars from NSW are:
- Stuart McDonald, Canowindra
- Sarah Bolton, Southgate
- Martin Gransden, Orange
- Emma O’Flaherty, Griffith
- Sarah Sivyer, Eccleston.
Chair of the NSW Nuffield Committee, Guy Hebblewhite, who was himself a 2013 Scholar, said the diversity of topics and calibre of the Scholars was reflective of the innovation driving the state’s agricultural production.
“Our Scholars will investigate topics that have potential to transform elements of their respective industries and this announcement most certainly showcases the breadth and depth of knowledge, enthusiasm and appetite to capitalise upon opportunity within New South Wales’ agricultural sector,” Mr Hebblewhite said.
“These Scholarships, which are funded by a range of investors also committed to the future of the industry, will provide Scholars with resources to mix with like-minded farmers across the world and to bring home technology and new-thinking that will benefit agricultural prosperity.
“We’re delighted to have five of the 24 Scholars from NSW and look forward to following their journey and findings over the course of their research.”
After returning from their global study tours, Stuart, Sarah B, Sarah V, Martin and Emma will share their insights and experiences with other producers and stakeholders in their respective industries and NSW communities.
Biographies
Stuart McDonald from Canowindra, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), who will investigate how continuous grain cropping, with the aid of livestock, can be sustained in high rainfall areas.
Sarah Bolton from Southgate, supported by Dairy Australia and the Australian Dairy Conference, who will investigate how to rear dairy calves so as to integrate successfully into the beef supply chain.
Martin Gransden from Orange, supported by Wine Australia, who will investigate alternative wine grape varieties that can be introduced to the Australian wine sector.
Emma O’Flaherty from Griffith, supported by AgriFutures Australia, who will investigate factors that contribute to the laying of floor eggs across different nesting systems.
Sarah Sivyer from Eccleston, supported by NSW Department of Primary Industries, who will investigate how producers can optimise trust in their brand by leveraging a culture of continuous improvement.
The full biographies will be available on the Nuffield website from 8am Wednesday 20 September 2017 (AEST).
Source: Nuffield Australia
Image: Sarah Bolton. Image provided by Nuffield Australia