Latest Horizon scholars ready to shape agriculture

Article posted 12 August 2026 in Trade Farm Machinery online

The 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship cohort reflects the diversity in agriculture, with recipients studying everything across grains, horticulture and livestock to plant, soil, and veterinary science, agtech and sustainable production systems

Eighteen university students who are building the skills, networks and industry understanding required to support the long-term success of Australian agriculture have been welcomed as the 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship cohort.

Since its inception in 2010, the scholarship program has supported more than 250 students in the final two years of a full-time undergraduate degree at an Australian university, helping ensure Australian agriculture has access to a capable, future focused pipeline of talent.

It has played a key role in addressing workforce challenges across the sector, with several scholars going on to start  their own ventures.

Backed by industry sponsors, the scholarship focuses on translating study into impact by strengthening leadership capability, fostering innovation and aligning graduate skills with real workforce needs.

Each receives a bursary of $5,000 per year, tailored professional development workshops, an annual industry placement aligned with their field of study and sponsor sector, as well as opportunities to build networks through national events and industry connections.

AgriFutures Australia says the 2026 cohort reflects the diversity and complexity of modern agriculture, with scholars studying across grains, fibres, horticulture, poultry, aquaculture, livestock, marine bioproducts, agricultural economics, plant and soil science, genetics, veterinary science, and emerging areas such as agtech and sustainable production systems.

“These scholars are developing the skills that matter, but just as importantly, they are building relationships with industry that will carry through their careers,” AgriFutures Australia managing director Brianna Casey says.

“That connection ensures their knowledge is applied on farm, in businesses and across supply chains.

“It’s this combination of capacity building and connection that underpins the long-term success of our rural industries and the communities that support them.”

For the full list of students, including the AU recipients click HERE.