19 April, 2021
Hodgson Vale woman named next generation rural leader
A Hodgson Vale woman will receive a $10,000 bursary after being named as one of 20 scholars to receive a 2021 Horizon Scholarship.
As part of the program, Hanlie Lubbe will also attend an annual four-day professional development workshop and complete two weeks of industry placement.
Hanlie, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England, said she was excited by the opportunity.
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunities brought by this scholarship,” Hanlie said.
“I look forward to growing in my knowledge of the industry alongside like-minded individuals and being mentored by those already making their marks on the industry.
“I am eager for the opportunity to be working with FMC, learning about their company and broadening my horizons to understand their industry further.
“I hope through our partnership I will grow in under-standing of areas of the industry I did not previously consider as potential career avenues.”
Hanlie was born in South Africa and made the move to
Texas in Queensland when she was just five years old.
“I spent my childhood growing up on my family’s beef cattle property, this instigated my passion for the agricultural industry,” she said.
“After graduating high school, I have worked for a genetics company, Neogen, and a breed society, Australian Wagyu Association.
“This has brought to life my passion for the science behind agriculture and the many opportunities we have to increase our productivity.”
John Harvey, AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, congratulated the 20 students from across Australia on their success and welcomed the next generation of rural leaders to the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program.
“We are thrilled to welcome our 2021 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship winners, whose exceptional passion, drive and commitment to agriculture has distinguished them from a talented pool of over 90 applicants. Again, I thank all of the industry sponsors who recognise the value and importance of the investment into future leaders,” Mr Harvey said.
Students are carefully paired with industry sponsors that align with their career aspirations and industry experience.
Support from sponsors is key to the program’s success and assists students to expand their networks and learn new skills relevant to a career in their chosen field.
2021 sponsors include Grains Research & Development Corporation, Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia, Australian Eggs, Australian Wool Innovation, Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, Hort Innovation, FMC Australasia and the AgriFutures Emerging Industries, Rice and Thoroughbred Horses programs.
Mr Harvey thanked new and returning Horizon sponsors and acknowledged their significant contribution to the program, particularly in offering student’s valuable exposure to the agricultural sector.
“The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship would not be possible without our sponsors. The diversity of industry sponsors reflects the desire across the board to focus on the next generation of leaders who will build prosperous and sustainable rural industries of the future,” he said.
“I encourage scholars to make the most of the fantastic opportunities their industry sponsors provide.
“They will be able to collaborate across rural industries and participate in valuable work placements and attend workshops that will open doors to a successful career in their chosen field.”
All students involved with the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program will attend the four-day workshop in July, focused on leadership and personal development.
The workshop will feature special guest speakers, industry experts and also provide the opportunity to network, meet sponsors and discuss innovations and challenges in the agricultural sector.
