MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2023. BY NUFFIELD INTERNATIONAL – USA.
The featured image is of Dr. Stephanie Bolton (pictured center) on her Nuffield Global Focus Program in March 2023, visiting Mike Casey (pictured left) and Euan White (pictured right) of the world’s first 100% electric, zero fossil fuel cherry orchard, Forest Lodge. The photo with their homemade electric tractor was taken to send to Carlo Mondavi, who shared his Monarch electric autonomous tractor with Lodi growers in the summer of 2019. Mike and Euan are the first people outside America to purchase a Monarch Tractor and are doing amazing things on their farm in Central Otago.
Nuffield International Farming Scholars (USA) provides young farmers and agriculturists who are U.S. citizens with a $25,000 scholarship dedicated to a global agriculture experience. Nuffield International has opened applications for 2024 scholarships, and farmers and agricultural professionals are encouraged to apply.
The Nuffield International Farming Scholars program provides a life-changing opportunity for farmers and agriculturists to gain first-hand knowledge from global experts, bringing home new ideas and a new ability to engage as not just technical experts, but national thought leaders. Nuffield is active in 14 countries: there are stand-alone Nuffield Farming Scholar programs in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe, with Chile, Germany, Japan, Poland, and the United States of America falling under the Nuffield International umbrella.
These scholars are proficient, committed agriculturists who believe in the future of agriculture and are willing to engage globally to surface and share new ways to manage our resources, support developing nations and emerging markets, and better understand the global dynamics of agriculture.
Nuffield USA Scholars will travel for up to 12 weeks, which is divided into three separate components, throughout their scholarship term. Nuffield Scholars present written reports on their individual research topic after completing their tour and make verbal presentations about their topic in the 18 to 24 months following its completion. The funding to travel and explore as a Nuffield Scholar comes from investors who are actively interested in helping support and shape the future of U.S. agriculture.
The timing of these travels are:
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- Attend the eight-day Nuffield Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) in March (locations shift around the world each year).
- Participate in a four-week Global Focus Program (GFP) experience with other scholars from various countries. This small group travel typically covers 4 to 5 countries, including a stop in the U.S. GFP groups travel in either March/April or June/July of each year.
- Spend 4 to 5 weeks in self-directed travel exploring the selected research topic.
Nuffield International Farming (USA) scholarships are available for farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals who are:
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- U.S. citizens and residents between the ages of 25 and 45 (applications outside the age range may be considered).
- Full-time professionals in farming, ranching, fishing, forestry, horticulture, or other industry-related positions.
- Committed to remaining involved in agriculture in the U.S., following the completion of their scholarship.
Scholarships should focus on sustainable solutions for the future of agriculture in areas such as soil health, technology innovations, risk mitigation, natural capital, public policy in agriculture, diversity and inclusion, regenerative agriculture, or carbon sequestration.
The 2024 Nuffield International applications close on October 7, 2023. To apply click the button below. For questions about the scholarship and application, email enquiries@nuffield.com.au.
The United States of America has been involved in the Nuffield International Farming Scholars program since 2015, selecting the first Nuffield International USA Scholar in 2017. With the 2023 group, there are now 16 Nuffield Scholars from the United States of America, including two from California (Tom Merwin of Clarksburg and Dr. Stephanie Bolton of Lodi).
The 2023 Nuffield International USA Scholars are:
STEPHANIE BOLTON, PHD, CA, USA
Dr. Stephanie Bolton will study global collaboration opportunities in viticulture. Leading Grower Research, Education, and Communications for the Lodi Winegrape Commission, Stephanie will explore how winegrowers and scientists internationally can best be connected around sustainable viticulture research. She is hopeful of creating a collaborative, international network to build energy and resiliency into her local agricultural community and beyond. Stephanie’s scholarship is funded by PSP Investments, California Cotton Alliance, Terra Nova Ranch, Mechanical Design, LLC., Stevens Farm, and Kee’s Creek Farm.
JESSICA GRAY, VA, USA
Jessica Gray from Virginia will investigate the potential for a sheep-based economy in the USA. Jessica operates Kitchen Sink Farm with her family. They have a sheep flock rotationally grazed on solar fields, other livestock, and a ‘pick your own’ pumpkin patch. Virginia is an area with few sheep farmers and Jessica will assess how sheep farming can thrive in a warming and drying climate, vegetative structure, soil health, carbon sequestration, lamb market development, and incentive programs in countries outside the USA. Jessica’s scholarship is funded by Horizon Farm Credit, Delaware Department of Agriculture, Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, and Mountaire Farms.
LAURA KILIAN, NC, USA
Laura Kilian will explore how agriculture issues are communicated and linked with policymakers. Laura is the Associate State Legislative Director of the NC Farm Bureau Federation. Duties include advocating for NC farmers at the state legislature and lobbying for policy initiatives passed by the Farm Bureau members at the grassroots level. Agriculture is NC’s number one industry and Laura says it is critical to continue to develop, maintain and protect the industry, and policymakers play a big role in this. Laura’s scholarship is funded by North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina Sweet Potato Association, Carolina Farm Credit, Griffin Farms, and Mrs. Dale Bone.
EASTON KUBOUSHEK, IA, USA
Easton Kuboushek will study global aquaculture to support the United States in scaling sustainable seafood supply chains. Kuboushek currently serves as a Senior Account Executive with Amplify Association Management, a subsidiary of the Iowa Soybean Association. In this capacity, he leads multiple non-profit trade associations including the Soy Aquaculture Alliance, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, and supports the New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association. Easton’s scholarship is funded by Iowa Farm Bureau Foundation, The People’s Company, Iowa Pork Producers Association, and Iowa Soybean Association.
PATRICK WADE, TX, USA
Patrick Wade will study the role of trade policy in achieving key sustainability outcomes in agriculture. Patrick is the Policy Director of Texas Grain Sorghum Producers, a not-for-profit trade association with 3,000 producer members. His role is to coordinate state, federal, and international legislative and regulatory strategies and advocate for issues across the media. He will explore the role that agricultural trade policies play in achieving sustainability and climate-change-related outcomes. Patrick is receiving a Nuffield International scholarship generously supported by Bayer.
Nuffield International Farming Scholars inspire people to make a difference in the world of agriculture. With a history that dates back to 1947, this global scheme focuses on growing the most critical resource the agriculture industry has: people.
The Nuffield International Farming Scholars program is a unique global network of farmers and agri-professionals that puts an emphasis on:
– Personal capacity building
– Excellence in agricultural production, distribution, research, and management
– Local, national, and global thought leadership
To learn more, visit nuffieldinternational.org.
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