Six Students Awarded 2026 On Farm Support Science Scholarships for Agriculture

Six tertiary students have been awarded scholarships as part of efforts to support farmers and growers on-the-ground, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard have announced.

This Government is backing the sector by supporting the next generation of on-farm advisers, Mr McClay says.

Our On Farm Support Science Scholarships are an important part of our efforts to ensure the sector can provide specialised on-the-ground expertise and advice for farmers and growers.

The successful programme has already started producing the next generation of advisers with four of the inaugural 2024 recipients having secured roles.

The 2026 scholarships went to students enrolled in agricultural science, commerce, or environmental sustainability degrees.

The recipients were Lincoln University students Cameron Brans, Jack Green, Eibhlin Lynch, and Fraser Wilson, Massey University student Ella Hogan, and University of Canterbury student Cecily Holland. Each will receive $5,000 for the year. They have an interest in dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, and arable production.

Recipients in the scholarship programme are also mentored by members of the Ministry for Primary Industries On Farm Support team, providing hugely beneficial experience and networking opportunities, Mr Hoggard says.

Farm advisers have a vital role to play in providing on-the-ground support to farmers and growers. These students are the future of the advisory sector and will help keep our food and fibre sector thriving.

Note to editors:  Biographies of the successful scholarship recipients can be found below.

Name: Cameron BransUniversity: Lincoln University Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)Home region: Waipawa, Central Hawke’s BayBackground: Cameron has an interest in sustainable meat and arable production and diversification on-farm. He’s seeking a career in an advisory role that combines scientific and business aspects of agriculture.

Name: Jack GreenUniversity: Lincoln UniversityDegree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons)Home region: AucklandBackground: Jack has been on an exchange at Cornell University (US) for a semester. His study in 2026 will focus on the growing complexity of data and software on New Zealand dairy farms. He’s seeking a career in agri-tech and farm consultancy.

Name: Fraser WilsonUniversity: Lincoln University Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture)Home region: Gore, SouthlandBackground: Fraser was raised on a sheep and beef farm and is most interested in the sheep industry. He’s seeking a career in rural banking, agribusiness, and has a long-term goal of farm or agri-business ownership.

Name: Eibhlin LynchUniversity: Lincoln UniversityDegree: Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons)Home region: WhanganuiBackground: Eibhlin was raised on a dairy, sheep and beef farm. She’s been on an exchange at University College Dublin in Ireland to learn how the country is tackling similar environmental challenges and consumer pressures within the agricultural sector. She’s seeking a career in farm advisory combining science and rural services.

Name: Ella HoganUniversity: Massey UniversityDegree: Bachelor of Agricultural ScienceHome region: DannevirkeBackground: Ella is passionate about supporting the sheep and beef sector through science-based advisory work. She is interested in connecting research and policy with practical farm management to help farmers build resilient, sustainable businesses.

Name: Cecily HollandUniversity: University of CanterburyDegree: Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social and Environmental SustainabilityHome region: WellingtonBackground: Cecily is interested in horticulture, regenerative agriculture, and helping growers adapt to climate change and improve soil health. She’s seeking a career to work as a sustainability consultant or adviser.