Allen Gregory
First-year Lincoln student Allen Gregory is no stranger to the sheep and beef industry. He owns a Border Leicester stud with his parents and has been involved on the cattle show circuit for many years, both as a competitor and as a registered associate breed judge, and in mentoring other young people into leading and handling stock. He started a Young Farmers club at his college and won a place in the national Teen Ag contest two years running.
Allen loves working in such a rewarding sector, in which "you can capitalise on the work and effort you put into it". With a long-term goal of farm ownership, he hopes to first work as a farm manager and consultant, "to help farmers become more sustainable in their practices so they farm environmentally, economically and socially sustainably, as this is one of the limiting factors affecting the primary production industries for the future".
Patrick Crawshaw
Winning a Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship reduces Patrick's need to work as he studies, giving him more time to focus on his twin goals of representing New Zealand at hockey and achieving a high grade in his agricultural commerce degree.
The first-year Lincoln student was brought up on his family's 1100ha sheep and beef farm on the east coast of the North Island, and can't imagine doing anything else. "All my after-school and holiday work has been on the farm and this is ultimately where I desire to be in the future. With these surroundings, the agriculture industry, particularly beef, has always been of interest to me and something I wish to pursue."
A keen show competitor, Patrick has also had experience as an Angus judge. While still at school he completed wool handling and shearing courses and has already put these skills to use in the woolshed, at home and while crutching for others.
Jock Cameron
Jock grew up on a sheep and beef farm near Masterton, developing a strong passion for the industry at a young age. He is currently in his first year of a Bachelor of AgriCommerce at Massey, to give him the best possible start in the industry.
With experience as an ambassador for the sector already under his belt, this accomplished multi-code sportsman does not lack focus or ambition.
"I aim to finish university with a greater knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand livestock, meat and agribusiness sectors and, in the future, become a leader in the sheep and beef industry. Through either an agribusiness role or farming, which is what I most enjoy (my ultimate goal is farm ownership) I want to be in a position that is adding value to the New Zealand sheep and beef industry so that we can continue to be the world's best."
William Gibson
Will "lives and breathes sheep and beef farming". While still at school this ambitious scholar was already running his own flock of 200 coloured merino sheep on the family farm in Middlemarch. As if that wasn't enough, he also started his own Hereford stud, and plans to be selling bulls in the near future.
His current involvement in the industry spans fine wool production, commercial cattle and sheep and stud stock farming, as well as stock showing and judging. In future Will would like to expand upon this as well as start an agricultural consultancy business.
"I'm already being asked to help farmers sort sheep and cattle up into breeding lines etc and this work gives me great enjoyment," he says. He's doing a Bachelor of Commerce at Lincoln, majoring in agricultural management and with a minor in marketing.
Kate Mora
Merit scholar Kate is in her first year of a BSc at Massey, where she'll build her skills in animal science while keeping her options open.
Brought up on a sheep and beef stud in the northern Manawatu, Kate worked as a wool handler in a local shearing gang and still won numerous academic honours at school. She has a strong interest in livestock reproduction and breeding, animal health and nutrition, and animal welfare, and is keen to further her education in these areas. "I hope this will lead to a career in the domestic agricultural industry in a technical position which will help promote the New Zealand agriculture industry internationally."
Kate says she is fortunate to have won a Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship. "It enables me to meet people with similar interests and a passion for the agricultural industry, as well as industry leaders with vast knowledge and new ideas to inspire me."
Rebecca Thomson
An AgriCommerce student majoring in farm management, Rebecca is open to involvement in any facet of the industry, depending on where her studies at Massey lead her. "With agriculture developing and continually expanding, I am aware that there may be job opportunities that are not available today but could be in the near future."
Her on-farm experience to date includes working on her family farm in the Wairarapa and in a local dagging gang, and relief milking during school holidays, where she's enjoyed the variety of work and the opportunity to broaden her understanding of dairy as well as sheep farming.
Praising the Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship programme, Rebecca says: "It's great to see companies encouraging the youth of today to get involved and expand their knowledge in the primary industry of New Zealand. I think it's great that one of the requirements for this scholarship is that recipients have to visit local schools and 'give back'."
Lana Kennett
Lana’s upbringing in rural Northland on her family's sheep and beef farm inspired her passion for agriculture.
“It gave me the drive to pursue a career of innovation and sustainable development within the industry.
“This scholarship gives me confidence the industry is behind me, and a head start financially. I am excited about what my future at Lincoln University will bring, as each day I learn something new and am motivated to learn more.”
Alex Meban
Alex is the sixth generation of his family to be involved in the sheep and beef industry, and has spent his whole life living on a large hill country station near Gisborne.
“I am currently studying a Bachelor of Science at Massey University, double majoring in Agriculture and Animal Science. I've a particular interest in genetics, breeding and livestock reproduction and would one day like to own my own farm.
“I feel honoured to receive the B+LNZ scholarship. In addition to the financial assistance, it gives me the opportunity to meet and gain advice from industry leaders. I am thrilled at the opportunities that will arise from the contacts I will make, and the head start it will give me in pursuing my agricultural career.”
Sam Waugh
From a young age Sam has been surrounded by sheep and beef farms, while not actually living on one. Proximity has led to a passion for this particular sector of the agricultural industry.
“More recently, I’ve been exposed to and have thoroughly enjoyed the business side of the industry, so studying a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University was an obvious choice for me.
“I feel truly grateful to have been awarded the Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship. Having the opportunity to meet with some of the key leaders within the sheep and beef industry is priceless, and even more beneficial to me than the financial assistance this scholarship offers.
“I plan to gain experience in the sheep and beef industry and eventually move into developing lamb feed-lotting within New Zealand.”
Paula Radich
Originally from Taranaki, Paula is studying Animal Science at Massey University in Palmerston North.
“I plan to return to the farming community and develop a career in research, specifically in the areas of large animal production and breeding enhancement. Having cared for many animals I am committed to improving systems to enhance health and recovery procedures.
“The B+LNZ scholarship will not only help me reach my full potential here at Massey but also allow me to explore a wide range of career pathways and opportunities and expose me to fresh ideas.
“It’s an honour to be part of the scholarship programme and I am confident I can use the support to add value to the agriculture and farming sectors.”
George Smith
George grew up on a sheep and beef farm in the West Waikato and has always participated in the day to day running of the farm.
“This has developed my passion for agriculture and it has only got stronger as I have grown older. In my semester breaks from university I work locally on farms and for the local shearing gang.
“I am extremely grateful to Beef + Lamb New Zealand for awarding me this scholarship as it not only provides financial certainty but also the opportunity to meet like-minded people that are passionate about farming. It will also give me the chance to develop a career path in the industry.”
Rowan Sandford
Born and bred on a sheep, beef and deer farming property at Maraekakaho, Hawke’s Bay, Rowan is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce at Lincoln University.
“Having lived and worked on farms all my life I have developed a real strong passion for the agricultural industry. Agriculture was a definite career choice for me, and my mind is set on farming and my ultimate goal of farm ownership.
“I aim to continue the operation of my Suffolk sheep stud and also run a cattle and deer farming operation. Aside from a personal gain from the industry I aim to make a contribution to clubs, societies and organisations that have a positive impact on the rural sector.”
Cameron Massie
Cameron grew up on a sheep and beef property near Dannevirke.
“My intention has always been to make my career in the agriculture industry, in one way or another.
“I feel privileged to have been chosen as a Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholar for 2011. The contacts and experiences I will gain will be invaluable to help me pursue my goals.
“In the future I plan to become a leader in the industry by doing what I enjoy, either actively farming or in an agribusiness management role.”
Sam Gammie
Sam is aiming for a high level career in the agriculture industry.
“It’s something I strive for – it is what I am most passionate about. I am very privileged to have received the B+LNZ scholarship as it allows me to meet highly respected people within the agriculture industry from whom I am able to gain knowledge, inspiration and further connections.
“The scholarship also offers financial assistance so I can fully focus on my studies rather than having the distraction of a part-time job.”
Britt Paton
Britt is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University.
“Growing up in rural Wairarapa I developed a passion for the outdoors and always knew that I wanted to be involved with agriculture. This scholarship has given me a fantastic opportunity to get a head start in the industry.
“Not only does it allow me to make connections and be inspired by others who are working in leading edge fields of agriculture, but it also widens my vision of what is possible going forward.
“I am particularly interested in the research and development side of the industry and hope that in the future I can help to make New Zealand's agriculture more efficient and sustainable.”
Laura Lobb
Laura comes from a small rural area near Stratford, Taranaki, where her family owns a sheep and beef farm. She is studying Food Technology at Massey University in Palmerston North.
“This four-year course is a mixture of science and engineering that encourages students into areas of new product development, production technology and much more. I feel extremely privileged to have been granted this scholarship by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, and for their recognition of this course as an integral part of the agriculture system.
“I would encourage everyone out there with a passion for agriculture to find out more about this scholarship and enjoy the opportunities that are on offer.”
Mart-Marie Roux
Originally from South Africa, Mart–Marie lived on a beef and game farm for 18 years and now lives in Christchurch.
“It has always been my dream to own a sheep and beef farm. I am currently in my third year of study at Lincoln University, doing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree.
“I was fortunate to receive the Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship, which provides me with financial assistance and gives me the opportunity to meet people with similar interests, and thus allows me to build contacts for the future.
“It is an amazing opportunity, which I am hoping to make the best of. I have a passion for the sheep and beef industry and my long-term goal is to own and operate my own successful sheep and beef farm.”
Peter Klaassen
Peter is in his final year of a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University, majoring in farm management and rural valuation.
“Despite growing up in urban Whakatane, in the Bay of Plenty, I have always been attracted to farming.
“I feel very honoured to be chosen for the Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship. It has not only been a financial blessing, it has also exposed me to the complexity of the sheep and beef industry beyond the farm gate.
“I have also enjoyed and valued the opportunity to meet some of the key individuals and decision-makers of the New Zealand sheep and beef industry. I know that I will make the most of this opportunity and I am confident that I can contribute to the future development of the agriculture industry in New Zealand.”
Sarah Crofoot
Sarah comes from a small town in upstate New York, USA. In 1998 her family moved to New Zealand where they now own and run Castlepoint Station, a large-scale sheep and beef property on the Wairarapa coast.
She went to school at St Matthew's Collegiate in Masterton and is currently studying at Massey University towards a Bachelor of AgriCommerce.
“After my studies I would like to become involved with international trade and the New Zealand export industry. Being awarded a Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship has not only assisted financially by helping to pay my course fees, it is also providing me with opportunities for networking and professional development.
“These opportunities are invaluable, as they will provide me with a headstart when I graduate and enter the industry.”