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Picture: Tom Thornburrow, Richard Hoggarth, Hannah Tait, Roger Jump, Alan Nickson, Andrew Mackereth, Elizabeth Coar, Philip Halhead, Steven Walker, James Huddleston
The new annual travel scholarship launched to help young farmers and horticulturalists study abroad has just awarded the first £5,500 in scholarship funds to three Lancashire candidates.
The initial concept for the travel scholarship came from Philip Halhead of Norbreck Genetics who has seen first hand, the business benefits of overseas travel. The scholarship was then developed as a joint initiative between Lancaster and Morecambe Agricultural Society and Norbreck Genetics, providing young people in agriculture or horticulture with the opportunity to explore and study overseas in their chosen field.
The successful candidates included a joint application from Steven Walker and former Myerscough College Floral Design student, Elizabeth Coar, from Dunsop Bridge, Clitheroe who both plan to travel to the USA. With a horticultural interest, Elizabeth will be studying the plant and cut flower market and Stephen will be focusing on agriculture, taking a holistic look at US Beef breeds and production methods that influence the supply chain. The pair received a £3000 award.
Current Myerscough Agriculture student, Hannah Tait, from Abbeystead, was given a £2000 award to support her travels to New Zealand where she will study how young people get on the farming ladder. The judges were particularly impressed with Hannah who is using the award to help her further her knowledge of the Agriculture industry.
The judging panel included Myerscough College’s Head of Sustainability and Special Projects, Alan Nickson, as well as Lancaster and Morecambe Agricultural Society committee member, Tom Thornburrow, and Norbreck Genetics’ Philip Halhead.
Philip Halhead said “We were impressed with the overall standard and are encouraged to see such enthusiasm for agriculture and horticulture. In all, six very good applicants were interviewed, with proposals covering a wide range of topics from farming efficiencies in Kenya, to sustainable food systems for urban agriculture in New York and beef processing for McDonald’s in Chicago. The three people winning this year’s award showed real entrepreneurial sprit and we felt they would make the most of the new ideas and contacts they will make along their journeys.”
Craig Thompson, Myerscough College’s Learning Manager for Agriculture, said “The scholarship was promoted to young people throughout Lancashire so it was especially pleasing to see two Myrescough ladies do well. Elizabeth Coar graduated from Myerscough in 2008 after studying Commercial Floral Design and Hannah Tait is a current agricultural student. This is a real achievement for them and a great opportunity to kick start their careers and develop their own businesses. They will be following in the footsteps of Philip who was also a Myerscough student - his business has grown as a result of his global travels.”
James Huddleston, Chairman of Lancaster and Morecambe Agricultural Society said "This is a marvellous way to fly the flag for our agricultural community and for young people to benefit on every year, from the opportunity to travel and learn new ideas they can later use in the wider community. It is a legacy lasting long after the memories of Lancaster and Morecambe Show have faded.”
The 2011 scholarship will be launched in the autumn at Myrescough College, when this year’s winners will give presentations on their 2010 travels. For more information about the scholarship contact Philip Halhead at Norbreck Genetics on 07949 733 747.
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