The 2022 nuffield scolars (top row from left) Adam Williamson, NSW; Colette Glazik, Tas; Max Edgley, Tas; Jasmine Boxsell, Qld; (middle row from left) Jessica Conlan, Vic; Jesse Moody, Qld; Omid Ansari, Qld; Luke Chaplain, Qld; (bottom row from left) Marlon Motlop, SA; Jade King, Qld; Munro Hardy, NSW and Jo Kelly, Qld.

TWELVE new recipients of Nuffield Scholarships have been announced at the annual Nuffield Conference, which is being held virtually today and tomorrow.

Nuffield Scholars receive a $30,000 bursary to spend on travel in the next few years.

They will visit, learn from and collaborate with some of the world’s leading agricultural businesses and research institutions and will research innovative concepts, techniques and systems designed a positive impact on their businesses and the broader agricultural industry.

This year’s recipients have applied to study topics as diverse as carbon sequestration and accounting, to drones and Australian native foods.

Nuffield Australia CEO and 2013 Scholar, Jodie Redcliffe, says the Nuffield Scholarship program will give the producers and agribusiness professionals global perspectives that will help them learn, remain competitive and grow.

“We love the passion and ideas our new 2022 Scholars showed in their applications,” Jodie says.

“Among the cohort, there’s a strong focus on finding and sharing innovations that can make Australian agriculture and its associated value chains more resilient to changes in the environment, regulations, markets and consumer expectations.

“For example, two of the scholars will research opportunities for farmers and graziers to store and capture carbon, and be fairly recognised for their contribution to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.”

She says COVID-19 has hammered home that adaptability and leadership is crucial for all business.

“We are looking forward to working with this group who are driven to help their business and industry thrive now and into the future, as we navigate a world recovering from the pandemic.”

Jodie says Nuffield Australia is looking forward to borders reopening to allow the Scholars to conduct valuable research that they will share with industry.

“The first Nuffield Farming Scholarship was awarded in Australia 70 years ago, and we are proud to continue delivering scholarship programs that drive industry leadership, particularly through periods of change.”

2022 Nuffield Scholars

Queensland

• Jasmine Boxsell from Biarra. Supported by Meat & Livestock Australia, Jasmine will assess carbon reduction and sequestration in Australian’s northern pastoral industry.
• Jesse Moody from Cunnamulla. Supported by Rabobank, Jesse will investigate how to develop more resilient, drought-tolerant soils and pastures.
• Luke Chaplain from Cloncurry. Supported by PSP Investments, Luke will explore commercial models for drone mustering and other ag-tech opportunities.
• Jade King from Peachester. Supported by AgriFutures Australia, Jade will research agronomic practices to produce consistently high quality finger limes, to help expand the fruit’s market.
• Jo Kelly from Bribie Island. Supported by AgriFutures Australia, Jo aims to accelerate the development of the emerging seaweed industry in Australia.
• Omid Ansari from Virginia. Supported by the Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation, Omid will investigate how improved agronomy practices and purpose-built machinery and technologies can help Australian hemp growers.

NSW

• Munro Hardy from Sydney. Supported AACo, S. Kidman & Co, CPC and Elders, Munro will explore leveraging data to strengthen northern supply chains through simpler traceability and compliance.
• Adam Williamson from Scone. Supported by AgriFutures Australia, Adam will explore ways to combat pasture compaction for thoroughbreds, for horse health and profitability.

Victoria

• Jessica Conlan from Elmore. Supported by the William Buckland Foundation, Jessica will research better ways to finish lambs on grass.

Tasmania

• Max Edgley from Kingston. Supported by JM Roberts Charitable Trust and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, Max will study the opportunities for medicinal cannabis producers in Australia to build a sustainable future for the industry.
• Colette Glazik from Ross. Supported by Australian Wool Innovation, Colette will research fairer ways to audit the greenhouse gas emissions from wool production in Australia.

South Australia

• Marlon Motlop from Woodville West. Supported by Woolworths, Marlon will study the history and cultural significance of native foods to Indigenous peoples in Australia and overseas.

Profiles on each scholar can be viewed on the Nuffield Australia website at this link.

About Nuffield Australia

Nuffield Australia has been supporting Australian agriculture for 70 years. Nuffield Australia awards scholarships each year to primary producers and people in closely associated industries, to foster personal development and industry capacity building. A Nuffield scholarship lets Australian producers see leading and innovative businesses across the globe, to find ideas and forge connections that can improve our food and fibre value chains and keep our industry one step ahead.

So for 70 years, we’ve been Bringing the world home. Hundreds of Nuffield Australia scholars have tackled the biggest issues facing Australian agriculture. And to celebrate our 70^th anniversary, we will highlight 70 who demonstrate the diversity of our scholars and the impact the experience had on their business and the broader industry. To learn more about Nuffield Australia, visit www.nuffield.com.au or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.