Investing in the next generation of victorian agriculture

Applications for the 2023 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships are now open, providing an opportunity for young farmers across the state to gain valuable new skills and invest in their future.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas has welcomed the launch of this year’s Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship, encouraging the next generation of farmers to apply and contribute to the future of Victoria’s vibrant agriculture sector.

The program offers scholarships of up to $10,000 with each recipient initially receiving up to $5,000 to support their training and study, and up to $5,000 to invest in putting their new skills into practice.

Successful applicants can receive training in areas such as business and risk management, genetics and pasture management, digital agriculture or adapting to climate change. When they complete their studies, they can invest in professional development and business planning, on-farm practices or equipment and technology.

Since 2015, the Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship program has successfully supported 99 young farmers from a range of agriculture sectors.

One of the 2022 recipients is Harry Dawson from Glengarry, who is using his scholarship to help transition from shearer to full-time sheep farmer.

Harry will upskill by studying best practice grazing techniques for efficiency and sustainability and will invest in internal fencing and water troughs to divide his paddocks into smaller areas, enabling rotational grazing and increased stock numbers.

Applications are open to farmers aged 35 and under who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months, with at least two years total experience on-farm.

Applications will close on 8 May. To learn more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

For young farmers ready to expand their leadership skills and work with government, expressions of interest are now open for the next Young Farmers Advisory Council.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon. Mary-Anne Thomas
"Victoria’s young farmers will be responsible for leading the agriculture sector into the future and that’s why it is vital we support their pursuit of a profitable, rewarding career."

"The Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship program provides the next generation of farmers with an opportunity to learn and invest in their career as part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to the sustainability of the state’s agriculture industry."