STUDENTS in courses that will benefit Australia's beef and Hereford industries can apply for a $5000 cash scholarship to support their study costs.
The annual CM Hocking Scholarship was founded 20 years ago as a legacy bequeath from devout Hereford breeder 'Madge' Hocking, with the 2022 applications to close Sunday, April 24.
Advertisement
Last year's successful scholarship recipient Alicia Trovatello is now in her fourth year at university studying a Bachelor of Agriculture, with an Agricultural Economics major, and said the scholarship was fundamental to helping her focus on her degree without additional worries.
"The scholarship assisted funding my tuition for my third year of university and allowed me to prioritise my studies and not stress about the financial side," she said.
"Even if you haven't been successful in the past, don't let that deter you from applying again and use the application process as a learning experience."
The 21-year-old from Kyneton, Vic, is also working during her studies by providing sales support at Dairy Livestock Services in Melbourne and hopes to pursue a career in livestock extension/adoption or agribusiness once she graduates.
An avid Hereford enthusiast, Ms Trovatello works with her father at their stud, Glendan Park Herefords.
She is also a Herefords Australia National Youth Committee member and a Young Gun on the Herefords Australia Marketing Committee.
"It is a great period for Herefords," she said.
"Commercial producers are being rewarded for quality Hereford cattle that are docile with great weight for age and will finish on grass or grain.
"Additionally, our Youth program has expanded in the past couple of years and now includes more people advocating for a breed we all love."
RELATED READING:
While Ms Trovatello has a strong background and experience in the Hereford breed, Herefords Australia chief executive officer Lisa Sharp said prior in-depth knowledge wasn't necessary for scholarship applicants.
"We know there's many students studying agribusiness or veterinary science who may not have had direct exposure to the Hereford breed at this early stage in their career," she said.
"So long as they can demonstrate they are aware of the challenges and opportunities facing the beef industry and are undertaking study that has potential to ultimately benefit the Hereford breed, then we welcome their applications."
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
Advertisement
