Boots Off, Brains Unplugged
OPINION: Across the country, farmers are juggling stock, pasture, animal health, fertiliser, contractors, staff, weather, cash flow and an endless list of jobs that cannot wait.
Specialist skills in the areas of engineering, science, precision agriculture and agri-business have been identified, by a MPI report, as key areas to support the future of New Zealand's primary sector, a view shared by the fertiliser co-op.
In June MPI released a research paper 'People Powered – building capabilities to keep New Zealand's primary industries internationally competitive', in partnership with Beef + Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ. The report summarises the expected capability needs for each of the primary industries and associated support services.
Warwick Catto, science strategy manager at Ballance, said the primary industry needs to continue building a skilled and qualified workforce and the co-operative has directly supported this with its scholarship programme for more than a decade.
"Ballance supports the recommendations of the MPI report and believes New Zealand must future proof its workforce as the primary industry is the backbone of our economy.
"There are many exciting and interesting career paths in the agricultural and engineering sectors and these scholarships are part of our ongoing commitment to building a strong sector for the future."
From soil and water scientists to farmers, vets, engineers, agri-technologists and bankers, there are a wide range of careers which Ballance is proud to support with its annual scholarship programme.
Catto says the scholarship panel looks for students who demonstrate they are passionate about the primary sector and are committed to having a long term future in the industry, which is the backbone of the New Zealand economy.
"Since 2002 we've awarded more than 60 scholarships, with many of these graduates now helping to shape the future of agriculture here in New Zealand."
Ballance scholarships are awarded to four successful candidates, providing $4,000 each year for up to three years of tertiary level study in either general primary industry or in process engineering. The scholarships are open to immediate family members of Ballance shareholders or company employees. Applications for Ballance scholarships opened on 1 September and close 31 October 2014.
