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Sarah How
To celebrate 25 years of the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, Ravensdown caught up with past recipients to see where their careers have taken them, and what the future holds for the industry.
The scholarship, created in memory of the late Hugh Williams, a Ravensdown director from 1987 to 2000, was designed to support agriculture students. A quarter-century on, it's alumni are showing just how broad and dynamic the sector has become.
Some have become entrepreneurs, some are in science. Others own and run farms, and a few eventually took jobs at Ravensdown.
Recognising the diversity of careers available in farming now, Ravensdown asked scholarship recipients what they feel the agricultural sector is missing, and where the next generation could make an impact.
Previous scholarship recipients say the sector needs more innovation, tailored advice, passion, marketing, and good governance.
Johanna Olsen, 2013 recipient, wants more grads to consider farming itself.
"We need more people who want to grow the food. Farming offers real opportunity for young people willing to apply themselves," says Olsen.
Stephanie Laird, 2003 recipient and a current farmer, sees a risk in falling behind on innovation.
"In tough economic times, R&D often takes a hit, but it's critical. Every smart product or tech can make a difference on-farm."
Stephanie also works as a project manager for Ravensdown's topdressing division, Aerowork, says Laird.
For young entrepreneur Sarah How - a strong advocate for continued innovation - it's never been easier to test new ideas and create value, even alongside a day job.
She was the 2012 recipient, and recently cofounded Landify, an online platform breaking down the barriers to farm ownership.
Steven Foote, 2007 recipient and farm owner, is looking to implement new technology on his farm to increase productivity and decrease environmental impact. He says the sector needs more people who are deeply committed to their chosen fields - whether that's genetics, soil science, or environmental management.
It is important we maintain and grow our position on the world stage. Tom Wilson, 2019 recipient, has recently been working in the United Kingdom and says New Zealand needs more agri-savvy marketers.
"We know we produce world-class food, but we've got to get better at showing the world."
Ravensdown chief executive Garry Diack says it shows the many paths agriculture students can now choose to take, from technology development to communications specialists.
"Farming has always been complex, but it is becoming increasingly more so - farmers now need to be employers, guardians of the land, part-time soil scientists, environmental experts, digital savants and dabble in meteorology.
"That's why Ravensdown is on hand to help farmers make good decisions for their land and why it supports young agriculture students to learn the science behind farming, so New Zealand can farm smarter."
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