2012 Nuffield Scholarships to research strong wools, farmer capability development and arable farmingThree Nuffield Scholarships have been announced for 2012.
Nuffield Scholarships assist individuals with vision and energy, who wish to make a difference to farming, food and rural communities.
The 2012 New Zealand Nuffield Farming Scholars are:
Sandra Faulkner (Gisborne)
Sandra and her husband Robert, have a very mixed property comprising sheep and beef, 350 hectares of arable corps and a citrus orchard. Sandra is the Chair of Gisborne TB Free and has been a chairperson of Federated Farmers Gisborne/Wairoa Meat and Fibre.
Sandra’s research topic will be around the strong wool industry, with her looking to extend the Kelloggs project she is currently working on.
Richard Fitzgerald (Methven)
Richard is the Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Young Farmers and with his wife Ruth, farms 253 hectares of intensive mixed cropping in Methven.
He started working for New Zealand Young Farmers full time in 2002, initially as the Contest Manager for the National Bank Young Farmers Contest and has been its Chief Executive Officer since 2007.
Richard’s research topic will be on the capability development of farmers through farmer networks.
Michael Tayler (Temuka)
Michael farms 800 hectares over three properties in a family partnership with his brother, Nick Tayler. Their intensive arable business grows cereals, small seeds, carrots for juicing and potatoes. They also farm a sheep and beef and cattle unit.
Michael’s research topic will look at arable rotations and the sustainability of current practices.