01 February2023 Scholarship a welcome boost for ag student

Georgia Higinbottom’s dedication to helping navigate the evolving challenges of farmers has earned her a boost from a prestigious Ravensdown scholarship.

The Bachelor of Agricultural Science student, who’s been selected as this year’s recipient of the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, is about to enter her second year of study, as she prepares to help guide the industry "to continue to meet the needs of our consumers, environment and rural communities".

Georgia has a major passion for helping Kiwi farmers and wants to relate "ag research and lab outcomes back to [them] in a way that’s relevant and practical".

She’s also keen to travel in the future and learn more about different farming practices overseas and discovering "some of the aspects we might be able to take away and apply here".

"But for now, my focus is on the next couple of years here at Lincoln," she says.

Her ambition to positively impact the future of agriculture impressed the Ravensdown scholarship panellists.

"With young leaders like Georgia coming through the ranks, it gives me confidence that the future of New Zealand is in very capable hands," says Ravensdown CEO Garry Diack.

Lincoln’s flagship Bachelor of Agricultural Science programme offers the perfect foundation for Georgia’s vision, with a lot of time spent in the lab during her first year, and Georgia says it’s been "really interesting to be involved in the science of farming".

Agriculture is the ideal career path for the 19-year-old, who grew up on a sheep and beef farm in the Wairarapa.

"As a kid, I really enjoyed getting out on the farm," she says. "I’m fortunate to have hardworking parents who encouraged me and gave me enough room to give things a go."

As part of the practical component of her degree, Georgia spent this summer on a dairy farm in Springston, and says she’s learnt much more than she was expecting to.

"My bosses and manager [are] taking the time to explain the reasons why things are done a certain way and make sure I get to do a variety of jobs."

Learn more about Georgia on the Ravensdown website.