My Horizon Scholarship placement: exploring the possibilities

Growing up splitting my time between Western Sydney and my family’s small merino farm outside Gunning, I always knew I had a passion for agriculture, though I wasn’t sure where that passion could take me. Eventually it led me to pursue a degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney, which I combined with a major in Resource and Environmental Economics to gain the knowledge and skills to be able to build a career in agribusiness. Even so, I was still unsure of where I could best apply my degree, which is where the Horizon program has been incredibly valuable.  

My placement in the Riverina has helped me realise the wealth of opportunities that are available in agriculture, as I shadowed agronomists, startups and the Riverine Plains team in their work over three weeks. While in Wagga Wagga, I had the chance to spend time with Alex Grant and James White from Hybrid-Ag, who gave me insights into their daily routine. Early mornings and long days sampling soils gave me ample time to pick their brains, while also getting hands on, exploring paddocks from Narrandera to Cobram and learning a lot about the different production systems in the region. This experience complemented my time with Rebecca Dean from Rural Management Strategies, who showed me their process from assessing a property right through to preparing a comprehensive plan for their growers for the year to come. It was great to have the chance to finally apply my studies of soil science and chemistry to real scenarios on farm, while learning more about the diverse roles agronomists play for farmers.  

I also had the opportunity to spend a day with Dan Winson from Zetifi, witnessing firsthand the challenges involved in running a successful startup and the many different skills every employee needs to thrive in that environment. The day in the office let me tap into my economics and coding skills and was a reminder that careers in agriculture go well beyond the farm.  

The final week of my placement was spent in Mulwala with the Riverine Plains team, who introduced me to some of their research trials and began teaching me the art of grant writing. While I don’t think finding slug mats in maize paddocks will ever be my favourite job, it was interesting to spend the day with Matt deRoos, Riverine Plains Field Trial Manager, learning the different types of field trials they run, and how they benefit their members. I also had the chance to attend Sykesy’s Buraja meeting, which was an amazing opportunity to meet plenty of terrific people from across the Riverina. 

While I am not leaving my placement completely certain of where I want to take my career, I am glad to know a lot more about many of the options that await me when I graduate at the end of this year. And I know that no matter what career I choose, I will always be able to find a place in the Riverina.

Want more information on the Horizon Scholarship?

Inspired by Marcus’s journey? Apply now to become a 2026 Horizon Scholar and explore the opportunities waiting for you.

Applications for the 2026 Horizon Scholarship are closed. Applications for the 2027 Scholarship will open in November 2026.