Victorian Scholar, 2014, Aubrey Pellet said participation in the state had been very good in recent years, with over 56 scholars in the state, to the benefit of the regions agricultural industry.

“Nuffield is the leading program for primary producers in Victoria, identifying our future leaders, and helping to drive excellence in our agricultural industry,” Mr Pellet said.

“There are a number of Victoria specific scholarships available, including one for a dairy producer from Victoria, supported by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation, one for a primary producer in Victoria, supported by The William Buckland Foundation and also a grain grower in Victoria, South Australia or Tasmania (GRDC Southern Region), supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation. There are also specific opportunities for dairy, wool, livestock, pork, horticulture, egg and chicken meat producers to apply.

“I can speak from personal experience the impact Nuffield has on your life and your business, with lifelong friendships and professional networks being one of the great highlights.”

Mr Pellet’s 2014 Nuffield Scholarship allowed him to investigate how to improve productivity for Australian pasture based dairy farming. His recently released report outlines the findings from his two-year scholarship, which included travel to the Philippines, China, Canada, United States, Netherlands, France, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom and New Zealand to investigate how to improve productivity for Australian pasture based dairy farming.

Successful scholars take part in the annual Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference as well as one of six Global Focus Programs featuring a six-week intensive itinerary of international travel with fellow scholars to look at international trade, marketing and environmental issues.

The Nuffield Australia National Conference features a unique mix of returning scholar presentations featuring cutting edge research outcomes, highly regarded national and international speakers covering hot industry topics and a wide range of networking functions.

Mr Pellet said most significant though is perhaps the opportunity to select an individual study program through countries of the scholars own choice, tracking down innovation and ideas to inform their own business, industry and communities.

“My Nuffield scholarship afforded me the opportunity to travel extensively in the second half of 2014, and gave me a global view of agricultural issues,” he said.

“Conversations with some of the dairy industry’s most experienced and talented people have greatly enhanced the Nuffield experience, and helped to inform my own initial thinking.”

Victorian Nuffield Chairman and 2009 Scholar David Drage, of Warracknabeal agrees with Mr Pellet. “I would add that the lifelong friendships and connections that are created throughout your scholarship are and invaluable benefit, one which will enrich your life well beyond your two-year study program,” he said.

Nuffield Australia provides opportunities to Australian primary producers and managers between the ages of 28 and 40 to travel the globe investigating a research topic important to them and Australian agriculture. Scholars are provided with a $30,000 bursary to embark on a 16-week program consisting of both group and individual travel over a two-year period.

Applications close 30 June 2016. For more information, please head to www.nuffield.com.au