In a year where extreme weather has made its mark across large parts of the agricultural landscape, Nuffield Australia has announced its 2026 scholarship recipients – including five who'll study ways to safeguard the industry against climate extremes.
With topics ranging from traceability tools and virtual farm replicas to achieving work-life balance on-farm and community resilience, the new scholars were announced at a gala presentation dinner at the Adelaide Oval this evening.
Over the next 18 months, the 19 scholars will undertake 15 weeks of international travel, exploring cutting-edge agricultural practices and research.
Their findings will be shared with peers and industry stakeholders, helping shape the future of farming in Australia.
"Our 2026 scholars embody the innovation and resilience that define Australian agriculture," said Guy Hebblewhite, Nuffield Australia Executive Director and 2013 Scholar.
"Their drive to learn from global leaders and apply insights locally will spark fresh thinking and strengthen agricultural communities nationwide."
This year's scholarships are united under the theme 'be curious, drive change', reflecting Nuffield Australia's commitment to fostering leadership and championing innovation for the future.
"A scholarship is about building on generations of knowledge while boldly exploring new ideas to shape a more sustainable and profitable future," Mr Hebblewhite said.
The 2025 Nuffield Australia Impact Report found that almost 90 per cent of scholars enhanced their farming systems and boosted production as a direct result of their research. The assessment also found half of alumni were more likely to undertake further study following their scholarship, reinforcing the program's role in fostering lifelong learning and leadership.
"For 75 years, Nuffield scholars have brought global insights home to Australia. Their research strengthens not only their own enterprises but also the broader industry through shared knowledge and leadership," Mr Hebblewhite said.
Among this year's cohort are five scholars backed by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund, who will explore practical strategies to help farmers and communities adapt to increasingly variable climate conditions.
- Simon Blyth from Delungra in northern NSW. Supported by Cotton Australia, Cotton Research and Development Corporation and AgriFutures Australia, Simon will explore how the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, automation and robotics can unlock the next frontier of farming performance.
- Laura Davies from Sydney. Supported by 1979 Scholar Michael Bennett, Laura will study how diversifying Australia's export destinations can strengthen and future-proof the primary industries sector.
- Jessica Fedorow from Lewis Ponds, near Orange. Supported by Nuveen Natural Capital, Jessica will study ROI and outcomes of investment in farm infrastructure.
- Kristen Hegarty from Cassilis. Supported by the Future Drought Fund, Kristen will investigate ways to add value to traditional livestock enterprises with outcomes focused on improved business and climate resilience.
- Sally Turner from Trundle. Supported by Meat & Livestock Australia, Sally will study how farmers around the world are reframing administration as a strategic activity rather than a burden.
- Isobel Heffernan from Daly Waters. Supported by the Future Drought Fund, Isobel will study new ways to empower communities to drive climate resilience in grazing landscapes.
Queensland
- Jackson Boardman from Ravensbourne. Supported by Hort Innovation's Avocado Fund, Jackson will explore how to integrate drones into horticultural tree crop systems.
- Jessica Bidgood from Central Queensland. Supported by the Future Drought Fund, Jessica will investigate how integrated approaches can help improve the production, profitability and ecological health of grazing systems in Australia.
- Nathan Cleasby from Townsville. Supported by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Nathan will study how Australian farmers can innovate and supply a greater percentage of the global freshwater crayfish market.
- Michelle Lyons from south of Charters Towers. Supported by Rabobank and the Northern Pastoral Scholarship (Australian Agricultural Company (AACo), Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC), Elders and S. Kidman & Co), Michelle will study how edutourism can foster public trust and understanding of red meat production.
- Abby Templeton from Kybong. Supported by AgriFutures Australia, Abby will explore how to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation of a tissue culture program to tackle the rise of off-type plants in the ginger industry.
- Kate Watts from Toowoomba. Supported by the Future Drought Fund, Kate will explore how traceability tools, such as ultra-high frequency ear tags and automated data systems, can improve real-time decision-making, especially for smaller and remote producers.
- Sam Clothier from Lucindale. Supported by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board's Nature Resources group, Sam will study free range poultry systems, hen health, productivity and longevity.
- Jock McNeil from Loxton. Supported by Grains Research & Development Corporation, Jock will study strip-till systems, precision application and automation and how these technologies can help overcome multi-layered soil constraints for croppers.
- Penny Hooper from Longford. Supported by Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and JM Roberts Charitable Trust, Penny will study how to make livestock and dairy farming compatible with a sustainable work-life balance.
- Sally Bethune from Lake Boga. Supported by Gardiner Foundation, Sally will study the keys to success in value-adding for dairy farmers – looking at farm sustainability, profitability and the likelihood of the next generation to stay on-farm.
- Yumeng Chen from Melbourne. Supported by Hort Innovation's Vegetable Fund, Yumeng will explore how virtual replicas of farms, known as 'digital twins', can revolutionise decision-making, resource allocation and supply chain coordination.
- Blythe Calnan from Uduc. Supported by the Future Drought Fund, Blyth will investigate how stock handling can build resilience in people, animals, businesses and landscapes.
- Callum Wesley from Southern Cross. Supported by CBH Group, Callum will study opportunistic cropping and low rainfall break crops, taking a deep dive into the merits of each approach.
Nuffield Australia and CSIRO continue their partnership to bridge science and agriculture. In 2026, Sally Buck, a CSIRO research scientist, will participate in key components of the Nuffield program. This includes the Awards Dinner, National Conference, Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC), Pre-Contemporary Scholars Conference, and Global Focus Program (GFP).
Visit https://www.nuffield.com.au/scholars for full scholar profiles and updates on their research journeys.
About us:
About Nuffield Australia:
For 75 years, Nuffield Australia has connected agricultural leaders through its flagship experiential learning program – enabling the sharing of knowledge that creates a sustainable and profitable food and fibre industry. Steeped in tradition but driven by new ideas, our mission is to build capacity. We equip our scholars with the tools, insights, and global networks they need to adapt to changing climatic and market conditions in agriculture.
