Yumali student awarded $5000 scholarship

With students facing a range of challenges over the past year from the COVID-19 pandemic to bushfires and floods, Rural Bank has provided some certainty for the next generation of agri-leaders, awarding $5000 to each of the first-time students studying an agribusiness or agricultural-related qualification to help ease the burden of further education.

Ms Neumann is looking forward to the three-year hands-on nature of the Veterinary Technology degree she will undertake at the University of Adelaide.

"My studies will be dedicated to maximising potential in Australian agriculture for greater reproductive efficiency," she said.

"Reproductive technology is the future of the beef and wool industry. Further developing AI and embryo technology provides farmers with the services they need to increase genetic value in their herds, a process that once took many years.

"Australia is in an ideal position for future growth as a predominately exporting nation. We have a strategic location, with an excellent green image for producing sustainable and healthy foods. This is a strength that is limited by the lack of investment in new technologies, a decrease in interest in farming by younger generations and the risk of climate change influencing drought and rainfall.

"Something else that excites me is the future for women in agriculture. As countries develop, it is usually the case that the population working in agriculture begins to decline. This decline actually opens up so many opportunities for women to make a breakthrough in the industry and increasing female leadership and business innovation is what drives me to study and forge my career path in agriculture."

This year's recipients consist of nine female and six male students from regional and rural communities in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.

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The students will be undertaking TAFE and university courses in agribusiness, agricultural sciences, veterinary technology, business and agriculture.

Rural Bank ceo Alexandra Gartmann said the program demonstrates the Bank's ongoing commitment and investment in supporting the growth of the agricultural sector and future generations of farmers and agribusiness professionals.

"With a global pandemic affecting industries and communities across the country, on top of a multi-year drought, devastating bushfires and significant flooding, it's important we continue to support the next generation of regional and rural leaders," she said.

"This program provides us the opportunity to help ease the financial strain for not only the students, but their families.

"A number of this year's scholarship applicants are from communities that have been directly affected by devastating bushfires and prolonged drought. The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused many challenges, including transition to online study and isolation from peers for many young regional and rural Australians."

"The resilience and talent of our scholarship recipients continues to amaze me. With the challenges they have faced they continue to show determination and a great passion for the agricultural sector - a critical industry for the Australian economy. I look forward to following their careers and future impact on the sector."

Scholarship recipients will receive financial support to contribute to the costs of accommodation, travel, course costs and materials, study equipment and tutoring. Subject to academic performance, the scholarship funding may be extended to support their second year of study.