A CHINA agribusiness study tour is on the cards for one of five rural NSW uni students who were awarded a $4000 scholarship last week.
University of New England rural science student Peta Bradley says she will use her scholarship to bone up on the business workings of Australia’s biggest trading partner during a two-week tour in November.
The 20-year-old from Armatree was named alongside Coonabarabran’s Emily Young, Courtney Cheers of Goolgowi, Elizabeth Tonge of Casino, and Emma McCrabb of Booroorban as recipients of the annual NSW Farmers Rural Scholarship at the Association’s conference in Sydney last week.
Ms Bradley, who is in the third year of a four-year degree, said the tour lined up with one of her study units.
“(The scholarship) means I can go to China to learn for two weeks, which is a great opportunity,” she said.
“They’re our largest trading partner. So much of what happens there affects us here.”
NSW Farmers handed out $20,000 in tertiary scholarships this year – continuing the program it has run since 1993.
The scholarships are open to students who are members or come from a family that are members, and are not limited to studying in NSW.
“This is a small way NSW Farmers can support (these students) as they pursue careers in the agricultural industry,” said scholarship panel chair Sonia O’Keefe.
Courtney Cheers, 20, Goolgowi, was another scholarship recipient.
A third-year student at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, Ms Cheers said the $4000 bonus would help support her during ag industry work experience during her school holidays.
“It’ll definitely help cover uni costs, and in the holidays I usually need to work to support myself,” she said.
“This will free up some time for me to get some experience in.”
Ms Bradley said her course covered several facets of ag science, from plant and soil production to animals production and genetics.
But, ultimately, she’s keen to get back to the family farm and pursue a career in sheep and wool.
“I’d like to work in that field - sheep and wool – either in advisory and extension position,” she said.
“Ultimately I’d like to go back to our family farm. We’ve got Merinos that we cross with Border Leicesters from our stud.”