Deadline nears for chance to win £2,750 travel bursaries

The two bursaries provide two young sheep enthusiasts the opportunity to achieve their ambitions to travel
The two bursaries provide two young sheep enthusiasts the opportunity to achieve their ambitions to travel

Young sheep farmers have been reminded that there is just a few days left until applications close for the chance to win two £2,750 travel bursaries.

Farmers aged 21 to 34 have the chance to take up the opportunity and apply for the award to widen their shepherding knowledge and experience.

The new Samuel Wharry Memorial Award for the Next Generation comes in the form of two travel bursaries to support two young people in study trips to explore the application of science in sheep production.

Samuel Wharry of Carnlough, County Antrim, a past National Sheep Association (NSA) Chairman, was an advocate of applying science and technology on-farm.

The group has teamed up with the Company of Merchants of the Staple of England (the Staple) to ensure a legacy for him and a boost for young sheep farmers.

Joanne Briggs, NSA Operations Director says the bursaries are an 'incredible opportunity' for two individuals involved in the UK sheep sector or ancillary industries to receive £2,750 each to design separate trips suited to their own situation.

“Sam’s enthusiasm, curiosity and practical nature will live on through these travel bursaries,” she said.

“Having identified a subject they want to learn about, they can travel wherever they wish, pick up as much information as possible and then share their findings.”

Applications are online and involve young people answering a series of simple questions about the topic they want to study, why its relevant to them and the UK sheep sector, and where they want to go in the world.

Applications will close at midnight on Monday 22nd April, with shortlisted candidates informed shortly afterwards and invited for an informal interview with an industry selection panel.

Support and mentoring will be offered to the two successful applicants.