Are you a young farmer passionate about the future of agriculture? Are you keen to shape the future of the sector? If so, apply now for a 2019 Upskill and Invest — Young Farmers Scholarship.

The scholarship is an investment in you and your career. Up to $10,000 is available per scholarship, with up to $5000 towards training and study (Upskill), and up to $5000 to put your new skills into practice (Invest).

The scholarship program is designed to be flexible, to fit with the demands and ambitions of young farmers and farm workers. To date, 50 young farmers have been awarded scholarships in four rounds. The 2019 round of Young Farmer Scholarships opened for applications in June, with up to 12 scholarships on offer this year.

The Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Jaclyn Symes launched the 2019 round of Young Farmers Scholarships at the Loch dairy farm of 2017 scholarship recipient, Kate Kirk.

Kate had this to say about the program:

“The Young Farmers scholarship gave me a great opportunity to do an advanced course in hoof care. I’ve put these skills to good practical use, to reduce lameness in our cattle. This has significantly increased our herd’s milk quality and quantity. As well as being an asset to my business financially, the course has allowed me to meet other farmers and inspired me to invest in further courses and in my own skills. I think access to the scholarship is a great support to all young farmers wanting to follow their farming passion into the future.”

To apply for a 2019 scholarship go to: agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/food-and-fibre-industries/young-farmers/scholarship-program. Applications close 5pm, Friday 9 August 2019

Pictured: L-R Jason Kirk, Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Jaclyn Symes, and Kate Kirk at the launch of the 2019 Young Farmers Scholarship program on the Kirks’ property