Impressions of 2010 Nuffield Australia Scholars

Christine Ferguson

Wanaaring NSW, Commercial Goat Meat Producer

It’s difficult to explain a Nuffield scholarship without gushing a bit because its right out there beyond the realm of understanding of non-Nuffielders. Stepping out of the paddock and suiting up for business meetings all over the world requires a shift in perspective that extends us personally and increases our business acumen.

It is challenging and at times a little overwhelming to balance family, business and Nuffield travel but the support and understanding from the Nuffield executive makes it possible and the experience is more than worthwhile.

This last year I have found myself talking with members of the Committee on Agriculture in the US House of Representatives in Washington DC, researchers at universities across the world, nomadic herders in Mongolia and farmers in India just to name a few and I’m not done yet! A Nuffield scholarship truly exceeds expectations in both experiences and benefits

Helen Thomas

Maroona SA, Mixed Crop Farmer

All travel broadens the mind, but with Nuffield what I have learnt has been wider and deeper than I would have been able to do any other way. Nuffield contacts enable scholars to get to places normal people can’t. Travelling on a Nuffield Scholarship is also about finding out who you are and where your strengths and weaknesses lie.

For me, my Nuffield scholarship has not only enabled me to explore how to better manage our landscape, but also hopefully helped me develop some skills to be able to see the results of what I have learnt implemented.

Graeme Nicoll

Fish Creek VIC, Dairy Farmer

A Nuffield scholarship is an investment in yourself and your business that will pay back tenfold. The opportunity that the Nuffield Scholarship provides in gaining a deeper understanding of global agricultural issues has enabled me to put our own business and Australian agriculture into a global perspective.

The broad network of farmers, researchers and others developed through my Nuffield travels exposed me to a diverse range of issues and experiences. For many years I considered a travel scholarship, while it never seemed the ‘right time’ I am thrilled I chose to pursue this opportunity. Travelling on the Global Focus Program developed lifelong friendships and was a great way to begin the Nuffield scholarship year.

To travel the world to pursue your subject of interest with a network of contacts is a life changing experience and one not to be missed. The Nuffield year has provided me with a tremendous breadth of insights and understandings. Most importantly it has encouraged me to continually question and seek answers to our ever changing agricultural sector.