Longerenong students Alise Riley from Echuca and Rachel McIntyre from St Arnaud have won this year’s Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) scholarship.
This long-running scholarship is awarded annually to two school leavers undertaking vocational education and training courses in Agriculture at Longerenong College. Each recipient receives $3,750 to assist with their course fees, plus membership to the VFF and BCG.
Both Ms Riley and Ms McIntyre commenced studying their Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management at the beginning of the year and are keen to pursue careers in agronomy upon completion.
“The field of agronomy is incredibly important to the success of the Australian grains industry in the future. Agronomy not only benefits the farmer when a great yield is achieved from a crop, but also the wider population, and I cannot wait to have such an important impact,” said Ms Riley.
Ms McIntyre supports her grandfather on their sixth-generation property and is keen for her studies and subsequent career to support the role of women in agriculture.
“It is important to me to be part of the movement breaking women’s stereotypes in the rural community. I feel women have a powerful role in agriculture,” she said.
For VFF grains member Marshall Rodda, the quality of scholarship applications increases year on year.
“The enthusiasm these students have for agriculture in unbelievable” he said.
“The next generation of the industry is in great hands, and it’s wonderful that the VFF and BCG can support these students in building their networks and knowledge.”
Pru Cook, BCG Manager Projects and Partners, is excited about Ms Riley and Ms McIntyre participating in BCG activities as part of their scholarship.
“Both recipients demonstrated a sound understanding of the challenges agriculture is up against in the future. Their passion for helping address these issues is evident and it will be great to have their input as BCG members,” she said.
Both Ms Riley and Ms McIntyre are excited about the options that their studies and the scholarship will bring.
“Longerenong College provides me with the opportunity to create invaluable contacts in the agricultural industry that will aid me in achieving my agronomic goals,” said Ms Riley.
Applications for the VFF and BCG Longerenong scholarship are sought at the beginning of each school year.
