$9,000 agricultural scholarship now open
Entries are now open for the $9,000 Whangarei A&P Society’s annual Agricultural scholarship.
Huanui College deputy head boy Jacob Urlich has been awarded the Whangarei A&P Society scholarship.
Described by the judges as “a diligent young man with a great work ethic”, Urlich lives and helps out on his dairy farm in Waipu.
Urlich beat out a strong field of 14 candidates for the $9,000 scholarship. Shortlisted to six candidates, the scholarship was closely contested with a high calibre of applicants.
Evan Smeath, Whangarei A&P Society president, says the judges were impressed with Urlich’s future plans.
“Jacob’s commitment to adding value to the agricultural industry through his intended studies at Lincoln University will benefit farmers and growers across the country. His strong family connections to Northland have helped shape his passion and his involvement in his local community have given him a great link to the land,” Smeath says.
As well as his notable academic record and passion for farming, Urlich also impressed the judges with his extracurricular activities including being involved in Waipu rugby and squash clubs and working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. In his spare time Urlich enjoys his rural lifestyle, tramping, fishing, and beekeeping.
The judging panel were overall incredibly impressed with all applicants and were pleased to see such inspiring young people entering the primary industry sector.
Whangarei A&P Society provides the annual agricultural scholarship as a demonstration of its commitment to providing a link between town and country.
When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.
Nominations are open for the 2027 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award.
Keeping up with pasture moisture demands is likely to be the key challenge for dairy farmers during this season’s El Niño weather pattern, says Blue Skies Weather & Climate Services meteorologist Tony Trewinnard.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.

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