GRDC Longerenong scholarships are supporting young agricultural students with a deep interest in agronomy and crop research. For many students at Longerenong College in western Victoria, this scholarship is not only a financial aid but also a stepping stone to joining the agricultural industry. Recent recipients demonstrate the importance of blending science with hands-on experience to solve agricultural challenges and improve productivity.
Snapshot
GRDC has supported more than 70 students to attend Longerenong College in GRDC’s southern region since 2002. Similar scholarships are offered to agricultural students at Tocal College in the northern region, and Western Australian College of Agriculture Cunderin.
Ben Edelsten
Scholarship recipient Ben Edelsten is driven by a passion for agronomy. “I’d like to delve deep into the science of crop production and find ways to relate the science of this into maximising yields and therefore profits of a farm,” he says. “The problem-solving aspect of this is my personal favourite, searching for the possible causes, finding a conclusion, prevention or causes to this problem is so fascinating to me. Especially when you can see the benefits of what you have done and have the satisfaction of knowing you are the one who did it or the person who was able to help someone.”
Louise Cooper
For Louise Cooper, agronomy has become an unexpected but fulfilling interest. “I am really enjoying the study unit of agronomy, which I had not had any involvement with before studying at Longerenong College,” she says. “Learning about plant biology and pest management is new for me but is a study unit that has quickly become one that I am really enjoying.”
Amity Smith
Similarly, Amity Smith has ambitious goals for her career in agronomy. “Coming out of Longerenong, I would love to work in the field of agronomy, data analysis or agricultural technologies,” she says. “I would also love torun some small trials at home on the family farm to find out what crops and cultivars grow best in the conditions of the area, so that more crops can be added to the rotation more regularly.”
Danielle Walker
Danielle Walker says she sees her future in crop research. “After completing my studies at Longerenong College, I see myself gaining employment as an agronomist or something similar. Since witnessing crop trials while studying at Longerenong, I think crop research is definitely an option for me. Exploring and experimenting with different agricultural techniques would satisfy my goals and interests.”