Financial boost for ag study

DairyNZ scholarship recipient Oliver Vincent.

Te Awamutu College student Oliver Vincent has been awarded a DairyNZ scholarship for his study at Massey University.

DairyNZ, on behalf of the New Zealand dairy industry, has just awarded 55 scholarships for study at either Lincoln, Massey or Waikato University in 2017.

The successful applicants are undertaking degrees in agriculture or related degrees with a particular interest in a career in the dairy industry.

Three students at Waikato University, 25 at Lincoln and 27 at Massey are receiving the DairyNZ Scholarship, through the industry good levy invested by DairyNZ.

Oliver will have his tuition fees - to a maximum of $6325 annually - paid by DairyNZ.

Oliver completed Year 13 at Te Awamutu College last year and starts his four year Bachelor of AgScience degree this month.

Growing up on a dairy farm with his parents Garry and Angela, Oliver has developed a passion for dairy genetics and cattle breeding.

He says the BAg.Sc degree opens the doors for a future in the industry.

Long term his goal is his own dairy farm.

DairyNZ Education facilitator Susan Stokes says the success of Oliver in being selected is a great achievement and a testament to the quality of the education at Te Awamutu College.

"The scholarship will assist Oliver to meet the costs of university study at Massey University and continues until course completion, as long as his grades continue to be acceptable.

"This significant support to outstanding young scholars is part of the dairy industry's drive to encourage talented, motivated people into the industry as future research scientists, farm advisers, farm managers, farm owners and rural professionals," says Ms Stokes.

Scholarship winners are mentored and supported throughout their university years, offering a tremendous opportunity to kick start their career, either on-farm or in the support sectors.

- The closing date for applications for 2018 scholarships is December 7. Information on DairyNZ scholarships, the application process, and criteria to qualify for a scholarship can be found on the DairyNZ website, www.dairynz.co.nz/scholarships as well as Lincoln, Massey and Waikato University websites.