Currently in her fourth year studying agricultural science at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Jessica Kirkpatrick is proud to be a recipient of a 2013 Horizon Scholarship.
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Horizon Scholarships are available for first year university students studying agriculture, and are an initiative of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
In partnership with industry sponsors, the scholarship supports undergraduates studying agriculture at university providing a bursary of $5,000 per year for the duration of their degree along with professional development workshops and mentoring.
Ms Kirkpatrick is a sixth generation farmer from Beaufort, Victoria, whose interest in agriculture as a career was fostered during her time as a student at Ballarat Grammar School.
“It was my family background combined with studying agriculture at Ballarat Grammar, and my involvement with the Beaufort Agricultural Show Society that showed me a career in agriculture would be very rewarding,” she said.
Ms Kirkpatrick said the rural based school attracted a lot of students from rural areas, which created a great atmosphere encouraging interest in agriculture, and it was further developed through the focus on agriculture as a VCE subject supported by the school farm and show teams.
The opportunity of being a recipient of an Horizon Scholarship was drawn to Ms Kirkpatrick’s attention during her later years at school.
“When I was at Ballarat Grammar, one of my agricultural teachers recognised my interest in agriculture as a career and he told me about the scholarship, and encouraged me with the application and interview,” she said.
“It is an excellent opportunity to connect with industry and network with like-minded students who are passionate about agriculture.”
Ms Kirkpatrick is sponsored by Cotton Research and Development Corporation, which has been an interesting experience for the Victorian student.
“I’ve been on placement on a cotton farm near Collarenebri, which was an eye-opening experience because we don’t have cotton in Victoria,” she said.
“Horizon places scholars with organisations depending upon their career objective and you develop networks quickly through the program … we have the opportunity to meet so many people in the industry which is all valuable for any young person considering a career in Australian agriculture.”
Ms Kirkpatrick said she is interested in pursuing a career in agricultural policy and being an Horizon scholar has allowed her to understand impact of policy on the practical decisions of farmers.
