The National Bank Young Farmer Contest in conjunction with Lincoln University again awarded study scholarships to a number of entrants in this years Contest.
The Lincoln University Scholarship for Excellence was open to any District Final contestant and are a way of giving young people, especially those with a rural background or those working in the rural sector, the opportunity to gain tertiary qualifications.
Lincoln University Scholarship Manager, Jane Edwards says “Lincoln University is very pleased to offer this scholarship, as the selection criteria is a little different from other scholarships. The recipients must have good academic ability and also have strengths in the agricultural area as well”.
“Ultimately the recipients will have a well-rounded approach to life. They will have strong social contact through Young Farmers, good agricultural skills gained by competing in the Contest, coupled with excellent tertiary qualifications from Lincoln University”.
“For Lincoln University it is another way of seeking out and helping those who will lead and contribute to the leadership of farming and agriculture in the future.”
This year seven Young Farmers were awarded the Lincoln University Scholarship for Excellence. They are; Cole Groves from Auckland, Kate Johnstone from Piopio, Matthew Burrough from Palmerston North, Matthew Janssen from Balclutha, Peter Gardyne from Gore, Paul Manion from Cambridge and Thomas Wylie from Wyndham.
Notes for editors
The National Bank Young Farmer Contest is an agricultural competition testing practical ability, problem solving, theoretical farming and general knowledge. Now in its 37 year of competition, the contestants aged up to 31 must compete in one of 21 district finals, one of seven regional finals and ultimately the grand final on their way to becoming the champion. A prize pool of nearly $330,000 is up for grabs, of which the winners purse of nearly $80,000 is awarded during the televised show on the 8 July 2006.
Photographs of all the recipients are available upon request so please contact contest@youngfarmers.co.nz for a copy of any or all of the recipients or for further information.