FARMERS and agriculture industry professionals have been invited to grasp a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with the opening of applications for the Nuffield Australia 2025 scholarships.

Successful applicants receive $40,000 to fund 15 weeks of study overseas, across 18 months.

Nuffield Australia chief executive officer and 2013 Nuffield Scholar Jodie Redcliffe said the scholarships offer a unique opportunity to visit, learn from and collaborate with some of the world’s leading agricultural businesses.

“In opening these scholarships, we’re encouraging farmers and other industry participants to think big and see what’s possible for their business and industry in 2025 and beyond.”

Nuffield Australia awards about 20 scholarships each year, with a focus on advancing sustainable and profitable primary production.

The scholarships provide a unique global learning experience, allowing scholars to remain competitive and grow their skill sets. Scholarships build capacity for individuals, their businesses and the broader industry, Nuffield Australia said.

Ms Redcliffe said Nuffield Australia would again offer up to five drought resilience-specific scholarships this year, supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

“As farmers we know that Australia is prone to drought. Of all the climate challenges to affect Australia, drought is one of the most feared and costly in terms of production losses,” she said.

“Droughts also bring other emergencies like bushfires and take a toll on the mental health of farmers and their communities.

Nuffield is proud to partner with the Future Drought Fund to deliver specific drought resilience scholarships and also to weave the topic through our scholarship programs and training. This will give all our scholars the knowledge and experiences to understand the topic and make a difference in their communities.”

Claudia Benn, from Arcadia Valley in Queensland, received a Nuffield scholarship for 2024 to help Australian farmers improve diversity and restore biological relationships in grazing systems.

She said she almost didn’t apply, but is glad she did because her “life has already changed considerably, and my Nuffield journey has barely even started.”

“The application process alone is a great learning and growth experience so, really, you’ve got nothing to lose by having a go,” Ms Benn said.

“Once you’ve decided to apply, my advice is to pick a topic you’re passionate about and one that will make a positive contribution to your industry, and then stay true to that.

Ms Benn, along with fellow 2024 scholar Ashley Wiese, from Highbury in Western Australia, and the rest of the cohort were in Canberra earlier this month and will go to the global congress in Brazil mid-month.

Mr Wiese said he went into the scholarship thinking it was all about his project, but realised that Nuffield is focused on supporting his personal growth.

“I have found the whole experience to be really genuine and supportive.”

Nuffield Australia encourages applications for research topics relevant to any or all industries in the Australian agricultural sector. Applications close on Friday, May 31. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed during June, with a final round of interviews in August. Successful recipients will be announced at the Nuffield Australia National Conference in Launceston from 2-6 September.

Find out more and apply at https://www.nuffield.com.au/how-to-apply