The hunt is on for Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales’ (HCC) 2024 scholar! The long-standing scholarship, which is open to anyone above the age of 18 working in the red meat sector in Wales, provides funding worth £4,000 to study an aspect of red meat production or processing anywhere in the world.
The travel scholarship is now open and closes on 1 March 2024.
Previous scholars have included academics, farmers, butchers, processors and new entrants to the industry with topics studied ranging from pasture crop utilization and selective breeding to improving cost of production and international beef grading systems.
Scholars can choose to study any topic within the red meat supply chain, providing benefit to themselves as individuals and the wider industry also. Study trips can last up to six weeks and scholars are expected to write a scholarship report and share their findings with the wider industry upon their return.
James Ruggeri HCC’s Industry Development Executive explained: “HCC’s Scholarship has been running for over twenty years and provides an unrivalled opportunity for anyone involved in the red meat industry in Wales to study an aspect of the sector in any part of the world. France, New Zealand, the USA and Chile are just a handful of destinations where HCC Scholars have travelled to in recent years. Unlike other Scholarships, there is no upper age limit on the HCC Scholarship. We are looking for ambitious individuals who are committed to improving their own understanding whilst also playing a part in developing the industry as a whole.”
2023 HCC Scholar Tudor Roderick said: “The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to travel and learn about different farming systems. During my trip to Australia, I met so many inspirational and passionate sheep breeders who gave me such detailed insights into their businesses. I would recommend that anyone that is interested in travelling and learning more about farming abroad to apply for the scholarship.”
2023 HCC Scholar Dan Jones, who embarked to study farming practices in the USA and the UK to understand the latest techniques and advances in conservation grazing and upland farming, said: “I would encourage anyone eligible to apply for this opportunity! It’s a great chance to travel and see different cultures. It really opens your mind and challenges your thinking. HCC is offering a great opportunity for people to invest in themselves and their career – so do apply.”
James Ruggeri added: “HCC is striving to ensure that the red meat industry in Wales has a future that is one of profitability, efficiency and sustainability. This scholarship allows the us to foster better understanding and support those who feel as passionate about our industry as we do and who are working towards seeing that vision flourish. I wish the best of luck to all who apply!”
The HCC Scholarship Association boasts an exclusive membership of award-winning farmers, distinguished academics and notable figures within the industry, all of whom have completed a HCC Scholarship. The current President of the Scholarship Association is sheep and beef farmer Will Evans from Machynlleth and James Powell is Vice President.
To apply for the Scholarship, interested individuals should fill out the application form on the HCC website, this will be followed by an interview for short-listed candidates. The application window is from Monday 12 February 2024 until 1 March 2024 5pm. Full details and how to apply can be found here:https://meatpromotion.wales/en/industry-resources/scholarship-and-careers/hcc-scholarship
