Loving every second of it

By Fiona Gowers

Tessa Cook has had her sights set on a career in agriculture for as long as she can remember.

Raised on a mixed enterprise cattle and cropping property 60km north-west of Clermont, Tessa is in her fourth year of a veterinary science degree at James Cook University in Townsville.

And, she is “loving every second of it”.

“I am so happy with this course, it is fantastic,” Tessa said.

“It’s like someone has gone, ‘What are all the subjects Tessa would absolutely love?’ And then combined them into one course.

“It’s amazing.”

Tessa was last month awarded a 2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship, which provides 22 scholars throughout Australia with a $10,000 bursary over two years.

Students also attend a four-day professional development workshop in July and complete two weeks of industry placement, all of which is covered by the support of their sponsor.

Basically, the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program provides the next generation of leaders with opportunities to kickstart their leadership skills and expand their networks.

“It is a privilege to be offered the Horizon Scholarship and have the opportunity to connect with like-minded people in the agricultural industry,” Tessa said.

“The work and advocacy that my sponsor Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has as a spokesperson and investor in the agricultural industry is both inspiring and motivating.

“The networking opportunities and knowledge that I will acquire from working with MLA is exciting as I am always eager to broaden my knowledge on the current workings of the agricultural industry.“

Tessa attended the little bush school Kilcummin State, which is situated on the edge of her property “Coovin“ and then completed years eight to 12 at Stuartholme School in Brisbane.

After five years of boarding, she worked at home from 2018 to 2020 before starting university.

“I was always focused, ever since I was tiny, on pursuing a career in agriculture,” Tessa said.

“I grew up as the fourth generation on a cattle and cropping property in Central Queensland and absolutely loved it.

“I just knew that I wanted to do something in ag, yes, but I didn’t know what direction it was going to be.”

Tessa said she was passionate about the beef industry, in particular bovine reproduction and genetics.

“I was fortunate enough in my gap years to complete a pregnancy testing and artificial insemination (AI) certificate through the Emerald Agricultural College, which drove me to broaden my knowledge and apply to study veterinary science,” she said.

“Pregnancy testing, AI, IVF and embryo transfer have all sparked my interest from a young age and has been a focus of mine throughout my studies.”

AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey congratulated the 22 students from across Australia on their success and wel- comed the future rural leaders to the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program.

“Congratulations to our 2023 … recipients, whose exceptional passion, ambition and commitment to agriculture has distinguished them from a talented pool of applicants,” he said.

“We are so appreciative to our industry sponsors for their investment in supporting the next generation of rural leaders.”

Students are carefully paired with industry sponsors that align with their career aspirations and industry experience.

Support from sponsors is key to the program’s success and assists students to network with industry leaders and learn new skills rel- evant to a career in their chosen field.

2023 sponsors include Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), Kalyx Australia, Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC), Baiada Poultry, Southern NSW Innovation Hub, Australian Eggs, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Hort Innovation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), AgriFutures evokeAG., and the AgriFutures Export Fodder, Thoroughbred Horses, Rice, Pasture Seeds and Chicken Meat Programs.

Mr Harvey thanked the Horizon Scholarship sponsors and acknowledged their significant contribution to the program, particularly in offering student’s valuable exposure to the agricultural sector.

“The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program would not be possible without our sponsors. The diversity of industry sponsors reflects the desire across the board to focus on our future leaders who will build prosperous and sustainable rural industries of the future.

“I encourage scholars to make the most of the fantastic opportunities their industry sponsors provide.

“They will be able to collaborate across rural industries, participate in valuable work placements and attend workshops that will open doors to a successful career in their chosen field.“