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Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarships support Gippsland's future agricultural leaders with training and technology investments

Gippsland Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarships provide funding for training and modern technology, supporting 16 recipients, including Leongatha farmer Matthew Taylor, to enhance agricultural skills and boost their careers.

By news@gippsland - 2nd December 2024 - Back to News

Victoria's brightest young farming leaders will be supported to invest in their future and explore new learning opportunities while being backed by the Allan Labor government to build the future of agriculture in Victoria. Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that Leongatha-based farmer Matthew Taylor would be one of 16 statewide recipients for this year's Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarships.

Successful applicants will receive training in irrigation, agronomy, conservation, land management, and business skills like accounting, human resources, and marketing

Building farming futures

Mr Taylor will be given $500 to upskill on selecting and using agricultural technology, and $4,881 to invest in scales for weighing cattle. Mr Taylor recently launched his own beef cattle business in South Gippsland.

Successful applicants will receive training to build their knowledge and expertise in areas such as irrigation, agronomy, conservation, and land management, as well as core business skills in areas including accounting, human resources, and marketing.

Once they have completed their studies, applicants can invest in modern technology and equipment, on-farm strategies and planning, and their own professional development to kickstart their career as a farmer.

Investing in agriculture

Since 2015, the Labor government has awarded 133 Young Farmers Upskill and Invest scholarships to students that demonstrated drive and innovation. Many of the previous recipients have gone on to play a vital role in industry leadership positions such as the Victorian Young Farmers Advisory Council.

The Council represents the views of young farmers and provides advice to the government to help grow a sustainable and profitable agriculture sector. For more information on the young farmer programs visit Agriculture Victoria website.

Supporting young farmers

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said, "The Young Farmers Upskill and Invest scholarship is about encouraging our future agriculture leaders to be adaptive and responsive to the challenges and opportunities the industry presents. We are proud to have supported 133 Victorian young farmers to reach their potential, and in turn they help us secure our food system and strengthen our local economy."

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "This is fantastic support to passionate and enthusiastic young farmers at the cutting edge of their field, with great outcomes across the board."

Leongatha Farmer Matthew Taylor said, "Selected as a 2024 recipient of the Upskill and Invest Scholarship, I will use the funding to complete a genetic improvement course and to acquire cattle scales and data recording technology."

Pictures from Tom McIntosh MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com