B+LNZ Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship 2025

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is excited to announce the launch of the Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship, aimed at supporting the next generation of leaders in the sheep and beef sector.

As part of this initiative, B+LNZ will sponsor two sheep and beef farmers to participate in the NZ Rural Leader’s Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme in 2025. Each successful candidate will be paired with a B+LNZ mentor relevant to their area of interest, with a tailored mentoring programme developed around them. 

This scholarship is a key part of B+LNZ’s refocused People & Capability workstream within our refreshed strategy to enhance and sustain on-farm productivity and profitability. A major focus is on growing on-farm leadership, essential for retaining talent and fostering positive workplace cultures. 

Through this workstream, B+LNZ aims to boost retention by enhancing leadership, celebrating success, and ensuring farm teams thrive from day one to the end of year three – key to creating a sustainable future for sheep and beef farming in New Zealand. 

Olivia Weatherburn, B+LNZ’s National Extension Programme Manager says, “this scholarship isn’t just about individual development; it’s also designed to benefit the wider sector. Recipients will share their project findings and experiences at a series of B+LNZ events, ensuring that the knowledge gained contributes to the growth and success of all our levy payers.” 

“Through this scholarship, B+LNZ wants to support and enable future farming leaders to make a significant impact on the sheep and beef sector from their position on-farm. 

“This scholarship offers farmers a unique chance to participate in the NZ Rural Leader’s Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and develop a project that benefits their community and the wider industry. With support and mentorship from B+LNZ, these farmers will gain valuable leadership skills, build supporting networks and make a lasting impact. 

“We are committed to nurturing leadership behind the farm gates to grow the rural leadership community, ensuring that our sector continues to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. 

“This scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for those working every day on farm that are looking to advance their leadership journey and contribute to the future of the sheep and beef sector.  

“We encourage all eligible farmers to apply and take this important step in their professional development," adds Weatherburn. 

Apply for the B+LNZ Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship 

Apply here for one of the two scholarships available.  

Key information about the application process: 

• Application deadline is 5pm, 7 October 2024. 
• Successful applicants progressing to the interview stage will be notified after closing date. 
• Interviews will be held virtually in Mid-October 2024. 
• Scholarship winners will be announced late October 2024. 
• Applicants may choose one of the two 2025 intakes to use this scholarship (January to July 2025 or June to November 2025). 

If you have any questions, please email Olivia Weatherburn

Learn more about B+LNZ’s refreshed strategy on B+LNZ’s website.