Victoria’s most promising young farming talents are receiving support to advance their skills and strengthen the future of agriculture in the state.
Sixteen outstanding recipients of this year’s Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarships were presented with scholarship certificates, recognising their commitment to growth and innovation in farming.
Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 for new learning opportunities, plus an additional $5,000 for practical application, allowing recipients to enhance their skills and invest in their agricultural careers.
The scholarships offer training in essential areas, including irrigation, agronomy, conservation, land management, and core business skills like accounting, human resources, and marketing. This enables young farmers to build a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise to support their ambitions.
After completing their studies, recipients can invest in advanced technology, equipment, on-farm strategies, and professional development to boost their farming careers.
For example, Anurag Bhangu, a beekeeper from Gippsland, plans to refine his skills through workshops on the artificial insemination of queen bees and a bee breeding course. With this scholarship, he will invest in an artificial insemination kit, allowing him to selectively breed queen bees better adapted to the cooler climate and more resistant to the Varroa mite.
Amy Byrne, who helps manage a mixed-farming operation in north-east Victoria, will enhance her skills through a lifetime ewe management course and invest in electronic identification equipment to improve her farm’s efficiency.
Since its inception in 2015, the Young Farmers Upskill and Invest program has awarded 133 scholarships to young Victorians demonstrating drive and innovation. Many past recipients have taken on leadership roles, including positions on the Victorian Young Farmers Advisory Council, which provides valuable insights to help create a sustainable and profitable agricultural sector in Victoria.
These scholarships continue to empower young farmers to shape the future of agriculture, building skills, fostering innovation, and driving a thriving farming industry in Victoria.
