Riverine Plains announces 2022 scholarship recipients

Riverine Plains is pleased to announce that three outstanding students have been named as recipients of the 2022 John Hanrahan, Uncle Tobys and Inaugural Corteva Scholarships.

James White from Springhurst, Victoria, is the recipient of the John Hanrahan Scholarship, Sam Marshall from Rennie, NSW, is the recipient of the Uncle Tobys Scholarship, while Reily Menhenett is the recipient of the Inaugural Corteva Agriscience Scholarship.

Riverine Plains’ Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Marriott, explained that all three Scholarships aim to recognise and encourage Agricultural excellence by supporting students from the Riverine Plains in their agriculture-related studies.

“These students have exciting potential as future agricultural leaders in our region and we are pleased to be able to support them through their studies,” said Ms Marriott.

“We are also enormously grateful to the Hanrahan family for their continued support of the John Hanrahan Scholarship, as well as to Uncle Tobys and Corteva Agriscience for investing in the Scholarships,” said Ms Marriott.

Each Scholar receives a $5000 bursary and access to work experience, mentoring and networking opportunities.

The John Hanrahan Scholarship was established by Riverine Plains in honour of the late John Hanrahan, from Coreen, whose community spirit, passion for agriculture and thirst for knowledge was renowned.

John Hanrahan Scholar, James White, is from Springhurst and is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University.

James is interested in cropping and pasture management, particularly using multispecies pastures to boost livestock performance. On graduating, James intends to be a pasture agronomist, with a goal of preventing both plant and animal health issues at the source, while also helping increase soil carbon to improve crop resilience and mitigate climate change.

The Uncle Tobys Scholarship was established in 2021 and Nestlé Wahgunyah factory manager, Jean Carlo de Lima described the support of future leaders in agriculture, especially those from the local region, as being crucial to the success of the food industry.

“As agriculture continues to change through advances in technology, a greater focus on sustainability, and changes to supply chains, having first-hand, local industry experience will be invaluable” he said.

Uncle Tobys Scholar, Sam Marshall, is studying a Bachelor of Business Management (Agriculture) at Marcus Oldham College and has been passionate about agriculture for as long as he can remember.

Sam is interested in finding the most profitable, efficient and sustainable balance between livestock production and grain production in mixed farming enterprises and is excited to see further developments in the livestock breeding space. Sam also sees opportunities for urban residents to learn more about agriculture and its career pathways.

Corteva Agriscience is also proud to be helping young people develop their passion for agriculture through the launch of its Inaugural Scholarship in 2022.

“Corteva Agriscience are committed to agriculture and excited to support the future generation through engagement with the crop protection business, plant breeding, research and commercial teams, and we wish recipient Reily Menhenett all the best at university and in his career,” said Corteva Agriscience Marketing Director, Dan Dixon.

Corteva Agriscience Scholar, Reily Menhenett, grew up on a farm at Arcadia, Victoria, and is currently studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Technology, as well as a Bachelor of Science majoring in Synthetic Chemistry at the University of Western Australia.

Reily is interested in becoming an agronomist and working with farmers to overcome challenges to food production and sustainability. Reily is also drawn to research and development, particularly of chemicals, and in ways to overcome weed resistances that are building up and challenging production systems.

Riverine Plains is pleased that these three students from the Riverine Plains have been recognised for their achievements and looks forward to supporting them through the early part of their careers.