Travel scholarships for young farmers, equines & horticulturalists up for grabs

2018 marks a decade since the fund, set up by the Lancaster and Morecambe Agriculture & Horticultural Society Trustees in conjunction with Norbreck Genetics Ltd, was set up. Its aim is to encourage young farmers, equine students and horticulturalists to study or explore business ideas abroad.

At the launch event at Myerscough College next month (Thursday, February 22^nd), people aged 18 or over and residing in Lancashire can attend and find out more about the opportunities such a scholarship can offer. Applicants do not necessarily have to be in education and do not have to be Myerscough students.

Head of Agriculture & Countryside at Myerscough College & University Centre, Craig Thompson, says: ‘’The Society issue scholarships every year so that young people can travel abroad in order to enhance their career prospects or contribute to the development of the sector that they wish to work in.‘’

‘’Applicants need to attend the launch evening where they will be given details of the application process, which usually involves a written rationale for their travel plan together with estimated costings. One of the criteria is that applicants must either reside or be studying within Lancashire. Scholarships will be given to those within the land-based sector and will be awarded following an interview process. ‘’

During the event, recipients of past awards from previous years will speak about their experiences.

Last year more than £10,000 was awarded, for learners travelling on various experiences around the world. Among the recipients was Myerscough’s Freddie Hewitt, a Level 3 BTEC Agriculture student, who received an award of £2,000 to experience Dairy Farming in New Zealand.

In previous years recipients have visited to countries including the USA, Kenya, France and Australia, and to date in excess of £63,000 has been provided for rural youngsters to expand their horizons all over the world, looking at a varied range of issues from walling techniques to beef rearing, sheep marketing, and equine development and research.

Philip Halhead, from Norbreck Genetics said: “We’ve had some excellent and diverse applications in the past and following the candidates on their journey and beyond, we know the scholarship is making an impact.

‘’There’s a wealth of entrepreneurial spirit in Lancashire and we’re keen to hear from young people who want to gain a global insight into their dreams.”

The scholarship fund launched by the Lancaster and Morecambe Agriculture and Horticultural Society Trustees in 2009. The judging panel includes Lancaster and Morecambe Agriculture and Horticultural Society Trustees, Myerscough College’s Craig Thompson, and Philip Halhead from Norbreck Genetics.