Ekka – Future leaders of Queensland agriculture recognised

Future leaders of Queensland agriculture recognised
As part of its commitment to providing educational activities and support to Queensland’s agriculture industry, the RNA has announced the seven state winners of the national Coca-Cola Regional Scholarship Program.

A partnership between the Australian Council of Agricultural Societies, Coca-Cola and the RNA, the Coca-Cola Regional Scholarship Program provides financial support to young agricultural students completing tertiary education.

The seven Queensland scholarship winners were announced at an official RNA Ekka function this week.

The program, which this year provided $2,000 scholarships to seven Queenslanders, is open to members of agricultural show societies who are studying a degree or subjects related to agriculture or a course that will benefit regional Australia.

RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said education and agriculture lay at the heart of the RNA and the Ekka was a fitting time to recognise the youth of the agriculture industry.

“On behalf of the RNA, I congratulate the 2013 Queensland scholarship winners. We are delighted to help support the potential future leaders of our state’s agricultural industry in their academic pursuits,” said Mr Christou.

Kimberley Lange, a company accountant based in Toowoomba, has just been accepted into the Masters of Science in Agriculture program. She will use the scholarship funds to complete a research project on examining the impact of cell grazing on the prevalence of grass species.

Richard Smith from Burpengary is an active member of the RNA as a judge and steward in the stud cattle and stud sheep competitions. Smith will soon commence work as an agricultural scientist and will use the scholarship to fund his ongoing Bachelor of Agricultural Science study.

This year’s Clifton Miss Showgirl, Ashleigh Saville, is pursuing a career in Veterinary Science as well as providing a voice for the younger generations at Show meetings. Ashleigh will use the scholarship to fund her vet science study.

Alison Collier from Townsville is an agricultural economist and she intends to put the money towards her Masters of Ag Science tuition fees.

Lachlan Scurr, who remarkably already has his own beef cattle stud, will spend his scholarship on college expenses incurred during his study at the Australian Agricultural College in Emerald.

This year’s Jandowae Miss Showgirl and Elders Jandowae employee, Alanah McKenna, will fund her Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Agronomy study.

Tobias Worley is a former Ekka Show Camp attendee, long time Boonah Show Society member and a Bachelor of Ag Science student. Tobias will use his scholarship to fund his genetic research and the development of more efficient and cost effective measures to control pests and disease in livestock.