Early-career farmers and land stewards are being reminded they have less than two weeks to apply for the much sought-after 2023 Australian HERD Fellowship program.

Alasdair MacLeod

The program grants one successful applicant a HERD Fellowship Scholarship, which includes the opportunity to attend the Quivira Coalition’s REGENERATE Conference in New Mexico in November this year.

With the full cost of the event covered, the recipient will have a unique chance to develop their ongoing career in agriculture as well as connect with peers and mentors in the USA, including 25 US HERD fellows.

The Australian HERD Fellowship program was established in 2023 with the support of the Macdoch Foundation. The purpose of the Foundation is to build the resilience of people and the planet with work focusing on natural and productive landscapes, climate change solutions and healthy communities.

Macdoch Foundation Chairman, Alasdair MacLeod said that Macdoch Foundation is committed to supporting the next generation of producers and land stewards, who will help shape the future of Australian agriculture.

“We are excited to support the HERD Fellowship. Through investing in early career development we believe the fellowship will provide valuable experiences to equip the successful applicant with fresh insights, innovative practice ideas and new global perspectives to empower them to make lasting impacts for Australian agriculture and in their own communities,” Mr MacLeod said.

The scholarship is valued at approximately $22,000 and covers registration fees, pre-conference meetings and field days, accommodation, meals, and premium economy flights to and from the USA.

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must be aged between 18-40 and be within the first 10 years of their career. Applicants will be assessed by the HERD Fellowship committee on the following criteria:

• Is grazing, farming, or land stewardship their primary occupation?
• Have they been pursuing their farming, or land stewardship career for less than 10 years?
• Do they come from a community historically underrepresented?
• How far have they come in their journey to reach this point?

While the award process will prioritise applicants from communities and backgrounds historically underrepresented, it will not exclude qualified candidates from any background with a strong application.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply here before the 18 August 2023. The successful applicant will be notified in the first week of September.