News & Advice

What are you doing for work now, and where are you based?

 I am now based near Palmerston North. Until recently I was working for RAGT as a Field Solutions Specialist covering the Southern North Island. But following the birth of my second daughter last year I am now splitting my time between being a mum and working alongside my husband in our dairy farming business.

How did the Hugh Williams Scholarship open doors for you?

 The financial contribution to my studies meant my student loan was all paid off very quickly, increasing my take-home pay. It also gave me an avenue to make contacts within Ravensdown which ultimately led to a part-time job at Ravensdown during my final year of University, and then onto the Ravensdown Graduate Programme, and an Agri Manager position after university.

How has a career in agriculture shaped your life, both professionally and personally?

 A career in Agriculture has taken me all over the country with regular visits to several regions, this has helped me to gain a broader understanding of farm systems and has been an epic way to experience parts of New Zealand that I might not have been to otherwise.

 Looking back, name one big challenge you encountered in your career, and how you overcame it

 In 2019 I was at a crossroads and wanted to relocate to the Manawatu region. I chose to spend a few months in China to pursue personal goals before moving and when I arrived home to NZ I didn’t have a job lined up yet. I buckled down and started applying for jobs (the scholarship interview process was an early introduction to this) Thankfully, the awesome grounding that I had from working at Ravensdown allowed me to line up an exciting position with SeedForce (now RAGT) relatively quickly, so I was grateful for that in what could have become a challenging time in a difficult job market.

What do you feel the agricultural sector is missing right now, and where do you think the next generation can really make an impact?

 I would love to see more Agricultural graduates pursuing hands-on farming as their preferred career path. For me, dairy farming was always an exciting plan B, but perhaps it should have been my plan A. There are awesome growth opportunities out there for motivated young people who have a great understanding of pasture and animal production, are willing to apply themselves and can run their own business.

What advice would you give to those thinking about applying for the scholarship?

 Go for it! As well as the obvious financial benefits, the contacts you make can open doors. Going through the formal application process, whether successful or not, is also valuable experience when it comes to interviewing for jobs in future.

 What’s next for you?

Right now, I am focused on our young family and farming business, and ticking off some personal achievements. I recently completed the Tauranga Half Triathlon – not my first at the half distance but the first since having kids, which made the training the true achievement!  In future, I can see myself returning to other work in the agricultural sector when the timing and opportunity align.