With the closing date for applications on the 31^st July, farmers and those employed in the food, agriculture and rural industries in the UK are urged not to miss out on the opportunity to apply for a 2020 Nuffield Farming Scholarship.

There is no need for formal qualifications in order to apply; instead, the Trust looks to unlock an individual’s potential and broaden horizons through study and travel overseas. Scholars are selected with a view to developing tomorrow’s leaders within their individual business and the industry as a whole.

Robert Thornhill, a dairy farmer from Derbyshire, started thinking about applying for a Nuffield Scholarship during a local dairy technical meeting. “It was hearing what the beef sector was looking at in regard to mob grazing that started me thinking about the opportunities that might be available to the dairy sector. In fact, my study developed beyond that once I had begun, showing that a Scholarship is a continual, evolving process.

“In agriculture, especially as a farmer, it is so easy to always mix with the same like-minded people and not look beyond your horizon. My Scholarship opened up a whole new world for me and put me in contact with people and ideas I would never have had the opportunity to meet. It has made me look at things completely differently,” says Robert.

“I didn’t rush home and change the world. It’s been more of a slow burn for me, but a Scholarship is for life and it’s changed me as a person.  As a result of this I’ve changed the business I’m involved with and have continued to develop my study area on a practical level. We have recently become involved with Natural England, Innovative Farmers and the Peak District National Park to run some trials around my Scholarship topic. I know it’s something I’ll be developing long into the future.”

Applications can be made on the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust website at apply.nuffieldscholar.org; additional information about the scholarships and the Trust is also available at www.nuffieldscholar.org.