- Hon Todd McClay
- Hon Andrew Hoggard
Six tertiary students have been awarded scholarships as part of efforts to support farmers and growers on-the-ground, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard have announced.
"This Government is backing the sector by supporting the next generation of on-farm advisers," Mr McClay says.
"Our On Farm Support Science Scholarships are an important part of our efforts to ensure the sector can provide specialised on-the-ground expertise and advice for farmers and growers.
"The successful programme has already started producing the next generation of advisers with four of the inaugural 2024 recipients having secured roles."
The 2026 scholarships went to students enrolled in agricultural science, commerce, or environmental sustainability degrees.
The recipients were Lincoln University students Cameron Brans, Jack Green, Eibhlin Lynch, and Fraser Wilson, Massey University student Ella Hogan, and University of Canterbury student Cecily Holland. Each will receive $5,000 for the year. They have an interest in dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, and arable production.
"Recipients in the scholarship programme are also mentored by members of the Ministry for Primary Industries On Farm Support team, providing hugely beneficial experience and networking opportunities," Mr Hoggard says.
"Farm advisers have a vital role to play in providing on-the-ground support to farmers and growers. These students are the future of the advisory sector and will help keep our food and fibre sector thriving."
Note to editors:
Biographies of the successful scholarship recipients can be found below.
Name: Cameron Brans
University: Lincoln University
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)
Home region: Waipawa, Central Hawke's Bay
Background: Cameron has an interest in sustainable meat and arable production and diversification on-farm. He's seeking a career in an advisory role that combines scientific and business aspects of agriculture.
Name: Jack Green
University: Lincoln University
Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons)
Home region: Auckland
Background: Jack has been on an exchange at Cornell University (US) for a semester. His study in 2026 will focus on the growing complexity of data and software on New Zealand dairy farms. He's seeking a career in agri-tech and farm consultancy.
Name: Fraser Wilson
University: Lincoln University
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)
Home region: Gore, Southland
Background: Fraser was raised on a sheep and beef farm and is most interested in the sheep industry. He's seeking a career in rural banking, agribusiness, and has a long-term goal of farm or agri-business ownership.
Name: Eibhlin Lynch
University: Lincoln University
Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons)
Home region: Whanganui
Background: Eibhlin was raised on a dairy, sheep and beef farm. She's been on an exchange at University College Dublin in Ireland to learn how the country is tackling similar environmental challenges and consumer pressures within the agricultural sector. She's seeking a career in farm advisory combining science and rural services.
Name: Ella Hogan
University: Massey University
Degree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Home region: Dannevirke
Background: Ella is passionate about supporting the sheep and beef sector through science-based advisory work. She is interested in connecting research and policy with practical farm management to help farmers build resilient, sustainable businesses.
Name: Cecily Holland
University: University of Canterbury
Degree: Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability
Home region: Wellington
Background: Cecily is interested in horticulture, regenerative agriculture, and helping growers adapt to climate change and improve soil health. She's seeking a career to work as a sustainability consultant or adviser.
