Photo: 2024-25 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship recipient, Georgia Ditchfield, has had an absolute ball immersing herself in all things Agriculture.
Georgia Ditchfield has been ‘flat out’ recently as she immerses herself in the 2024-25 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship which she recently won.
Georgia knows about agriculture firsthand growing up on her parents sheep, cattle and cropping farm at Coonamble.
“I was thrilled to receive the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship and be given the opportunities that it brings,” said Georgia.
“I attended EvokeAg earlier in the year, which is a major food and tech conference, and just this week spent time in Canberra where I met local member Jamie Chaffey, and 40 other young agriculture students from all over Australia.
“It has been a time of great networking and much discussion about the future of agriculture.”
In partnership with industry sponsors, the scholarship supports students who are enrolled in full time study and provides them with a $5000 bursary for the final two years of their degree.
During the scholarship students attend personal development workshops, and industry work placements in areas of interest to them and their sponsor’s industry, as well as opportunities to network at industry events.
Currently, in her final months at University of New England (UNE) Georgia has taken advantage of every ‘uni’ opportunity by attending two overseas study tours one to USA and to Fiji, both giving her an insight into the different agricultural methods being utilised by farmers.
Georgia is keen on the research side of agriculture and with this in mind recently commenced working in a soil and plant testing laboratory.
“I’m responsible for testing plant tissues for nutrients and nitrates, as well as conducting germination and vigour testing for crops like chickpeas, wheat and barley,” said Georgia.
Open to trying all types of agricultural experiences, Georgia has just completed a two-week work experience at a dairy farm.
She has a clear picture of what she would like her future to be.
“In the long term ideally, I would love to research farming and farming systems in third world countries.
“This would be my dream but in the short-term, research on broadacre farming, wheat and barley somewhere in northwest NSW or southern QLD,” said Georgia.
Two weeks of industry work placements each year is something Georgia feels excited for.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be supported by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) through the Horizon Scholarship,” Georgia said.
“The opportunities I’ve received so far have been invaluable in helping me grow both professionally and personally.”
When asked what tips she would give to agricultural students coming up, and to other bush kids, Georgia offered this advice.
“Say yes to every opportunity. Even if there is something that you feel might be out of your league, just apply,” she said.
“I thought I had absolutely no shot at getting this scholarship, but when someone looks at you and thinks you are worth a chance and they back you. It is the biggest confidence booster. By not applying you are potentially missing amazing opportunities, so just put your hand up you never know where it might take you.”