Six tertiary students will receive On Farm Support Science Scholarships this year, an initiative Ministers Todd McClay and Andrew Hoggard say is aimed at lifting on‑the‑ground advisory capacity for farmers and growers.

Each recipient will receive $5,000 in 2026 and mentoring from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ On Farm Support team. The ministers say the programme is producing new advisers, noting four recipients from the inaugural 2024 cohort have already secured roles.

The 2026 scholars are:

• Lincoln University: Cameron Brans (Commerce – Agriculture), Jack Green (Agricultural Science Hons), Eibhlin Lynch (Agricultural Science Hons), and Fraser Wilson (Commerce – Agriculture)
• Massey University: Ella Hogan (Agricultural Science)
• University of Canterbury: Cecily Holland (Science; Social and Environmental Sustainability)

Based on the biographies released, the group’s interests span dairy, sheep and beef, arable and horticulture. Focus areas include farm data and software on dairy operations, science‑based advice for the red‑meat sector, soil health, climate adaptation and sustainability consulting, alongside ambitions in agribusiness and rural banking.

McClay said the scholarships are part of efforts to ensure specialised, practical advice is available on farm. Hoggard said advisers have a vital role supporting farmers and growers and described the recipients as future contributors to the advisory workforce.

The release did not specify how many scholarships are offered each year, selection criteria, or whether the funding can be renewed.