$1.6 million for Nuffield scholarships with a focus on drought resilience

12 September 2023, AU: The Future Drought Fund (FDF) is investing $1.6 million through the country’s leading agricultural scholarship organisation, Nuffield Australia, over the next two years for scholarships and training.

The first 5 Drought Resilience Scholars supported by the FDF were announced overnight. They are:

• Caitlin Herbert from Eugowra, NSW, researching the role cattle feedlots can play in helping the beef supply chain prepare for drought.
• Michael Taylor from Kentucky, NSW. The former Australian Farmer of the Year will study solutions to the challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of agroforestry.
• Claudia Benn from Injune, Qld, will extend on the work of previous Scholars to help Australian farmers farm more profitably in alignment with natural systems.
• Ben Poschelk farms at Glen Innes, NSW. Ben will undertake a global analysis of resilience thinking and change in people and communities who have adapted to adverse weather conditions.
• Natalie Schlitz from Kerang, Vic, will investigate weaknesses that threaten the viability of the Australian fodder export sector in a water-limited future.

The FDF Drought Resilience Scholarship Program will support farmers across 2024 and 2025 to increase their knowledge of new tools and practices helping the agricultural sector respond to a changing climate.

Scholars will travel overseas to study drought resilience and learn from international leaders in the field.

The FDF’s investment will also see all Nuffield Australia scholars supported to increase their knowledge of drought resilience to better prepare themselves and their communities for drying conditions.

First Assistant Secretary of Farm Resilience, Mel Brown, said the scholarships provide farmers with a valuable opportunity to gain an international perspective on drought resilience activities.

“The FDF supports scholars to build drought resilience expertise, adapt innovate technology and practices from overseas, and allows these learnings to be shared to advance Australian agriculture,” Ms Brown said.

“The department congratulates the 5 Drought Resilience Scholars awarded for 2024 and looks forward to seeing what can be accomplished through this important investment.”

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