Trehane Trust Seeks Applicants For Dairy Scholarships

The Trehane Trust is seeking dairy industry enthusiasts to apply for one of its dairy scholarships on offer through the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust (NFST).

Trehane awards up to three dairy scholarships each year for a study tour that is of particular interest to the candidate and is of relevance to the industry. Applications, made online, should be received by July 31, 2020 for the 2021-year group.

“We’re keen to attract dairy applicants from all aspects of the supply chain,” says Diana Allen, chair of the Trehane Trustees. “While no formal qualifications are required, potential scholars need a passion and enthusiasm for the dairy industry.” And she reassures prospective applicants that the study tour can be flexible, and that extra support and resources will be offered where necessary in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Applying for a scholarship should not be daunting and subject ideas or arranging the tour mustn’t be stumbling blocks,” she adds. “We offer plenty of help with study ideas, the application process and gathering leads.”

The Trehane Trust was set up by former Chairman of the Milk Marketing Board, Sir Richard Trehane, to provide travel awards for young people to progress their career in the sector and to make a valuable contribution to the dairy industry.

Tim Downes, a dairy farmer from Shropshire, was three years into conversion to organic dairy production when he set off on his study tour in 2003:“What I was doing was relatively new at the time and I was keen to see how ideas and experiences in production and grassland management could be shared effectively. My study has played an integral part in developing the dairy business, but the benefits have gone far beyond this. I’ve been involved with the Shropshire Business Board and I have also been a director of the Organic Milk Producers Organisation. I would never have dreamt I’d be involved with these sorts of businesses before the scholarship.”

Recent Trehane scholar Alexa Parker admits that getting her award meant more to her than the overseas study tour: “My study tour was challenging and brought new ideas", says Mrs Parker, Saputo Dairy UK procurement lead. “And this continues through Nuffield activities, like the annual dairy tours. It broadens your outlook and makes you challenge things and think differently. These opportunities will continue to help me in my career and in my contribution to the UK dairy industry.”

How it works:

• Apply for a Trehane Trust dairy award through the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust: www.nuffieldscholar.org/apply-for-a-scholarship/apply-now
• Apply online by July 31, 2020 (2021 year group)
• Open to anyone in the dairy industry supply and related chain
• Applicant aged between 22 and 45 years old
• No formal qualifications required
• Involves an eight-week study tour and briefing sessions
• Flexibility offered regarding travel in view of COVID-19 restrictions.
• Successful applicants receive awards of around £7,000 for the study tour, and up to £5000 for the briefing and contemporary scholars conference
• More information for dairy scholars is available from Diana Allen, diana@qnm.ltd.uk