CULLA primary producer Anthony Close has been awarded a prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarship. He received the Australian Wool Innovation supported $30,000 scholarship to investigate ways that the merino can once again become a prominent feature of the Australian farming landscape. The 26-year-old is farm manager of his family farm Kurra-Warra and completed an Agricultural science degree at LaTrobe University. Mr Close said he was thrilled to be announced as a scholar. “I found out about a month ago, so it’s been hard to keep it a secret for so long,” he said. “It’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to getting started.” Related: Northern buyers appreciating Kurra-Wirra genetics Kurra-Warra has been in the Close family for many generations, with Mr Close working with his parents Robert and Bernadette, and his brother Simon. “We built our family farm off the back of the merinos,” he said. “It’s a massive industry and I glad to see it get back up again. Farming has always been my passion. When I was a kid, I would hop off the school bus and go straight to help dad out. “It’s always been great to be able to give back to a community and industry I’m passionate about.” Mr Close will spend two years investigating his chosen subject and will present his findings in the form of a 10,000 word report in 2020. He will complete a total of 16 weeks of international as part of the scholarship to explore overseas agriculture industries. Harrow farmer and 2015 Nuffield scholar Michael Craig suggested Mr Close apply for the scholarship. “Michael and his wife Jane really pushed me into it; they were a really big help,” Mr Close said. “The way Michael put it, it’s like cramming 10 years of study into two years. I’m really looking forward to the leadership side of things; having that background will be really helpful. “It will also be great to be a part of the Nuffield family – the alumni stick together and help each other out.” Related: Harrow-Balmoral's Anthony Close best on ground Past Wimmera Nuffield scholars include Michael Craig of Harrow in 2015, Dean Johns of Dooen in 1999, Steven Hobbs of Kaniva in 2003 and David Jochinke of Murra Warra in 2006. Member for Mallee Andrew Broad was also awarded a scholarship in 2006. A total of 17 primary producers from around the country were awarded the scholarship at an awards dinner in Melbourne on Tuesday night. Organic vegetable producer Natasha Shields from Baxter was the other Victorian recipient of the scholarship. Nuffield Victorian State Committee chairman Matthew Ipsen said the selection of Ms Shields and Mr Close was reflective of the state’s proud history of agricultural innovation and growth. “Victorian agriculture has a very positive story to tell: producing and exporting almost $12 billion of food and fibre every year, more than any Australian state,” he said. “Both Natasha and Anthony will research topics of great importance to our state, such as its commitment towards more sustainable packaging for fresh produce, and promoting Australian wool, one of the world’s most in-demand natural fibres. “With the generous support of their investors, Natasha and Anthony are about to start the journey of a lifetime as they travel the world researching solutions to grow a stronger, more sustainable agricultural sector.” To learn more about the Nuffield Farming Scholarship, head to its website.
Culla farmer Anthony Close was awarded a prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarship on Tuesday night. Picture: CONTRIBUTED
CULLA primary producer Anthony Close has been awarded a prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarship.
He received the Australian Wool Innovation supported $30,000 scholarship to investigate ways that the merino can once again become a prominent feature of the Australian farming landscape.
The 26-year-old is farm manager of his family farm Kurra-Warra and completed an Agricultural science degree at LaTrobe University.
Mr Close said he was thrilled to be announced as a scholar.
“I found out about a month ago, so it’s been hard to keep it a secret for so long,” he said.
“It’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Kurra-Warra has been in the Close family for many generations, with Mr Close working with his parents Robert and Bernadette, and his brother Simon.
“We built our family farm off the back of the merinos,” he said.
“It’s a massive industry and I glad to see it get back up again. Farming has always been my passion. When I was a kid, I would hop off the school bus and go straight to help dad out.
“It’s always been great to be able to give back to a community and industry I’m passionate about.”
Mr Close will spend two years investigating his chosen subject and will present his findings in the form of a 10,000 word report in 2020.
He will complete a total of 16 weeks of international as part of the scholarship to explore overseas agriculture industries.
Kurra-Wirra stud principals Anthony, Bernadette, and Robert Close, in front of some cows and heifers, on their Culla property.
Harrow farmer and 2015 Nuffield scholar Michael Craig suggested Mr Close apply for the scholarship.
“Michael and his wife Jane really pushed me into it; they were a really big help,” Mr Close said.
“The way Michael put it, it’s like cramming 10 years of study into two years. I’m really looking forward to the leadership side of things; having that background will be really helpful.
“It will also be great to be a part of the Nuffield family – the alumni stick together and help each other out.”
Past Wimmera Nuffield scholars include Michael Craig of Harrow in 2015, Dean Johns of Dooen in 1999, Steven Hobbs of Kaniva in 2003 and David Jochinke of Murra Warra in 2006.
Member for Mallee Andrew Broad was also awarded a scholarship in 2006.
A total of 17 primary producers from around the country were awarded the scholarship at an awards dinner in Melbourne on Tuesday night.
Organic vegetable producer Natasha Shields from Baxter was the other Victorian recipient of the scholarship.
Nuffield Victorian State Committee chairman Matthew Ipsen said the selection of Ms Shields and Mr Close was reflective of the state’s proud history of agricultural innovation and growth.
“Victorian agriculture has a very positive story to tell: producing and exporting almost $12 billion of food and fibre every year, more than any Australian state,” he said.
“Both Natasha and Anthony will research topics of great importance to our state, such as its commitment towards more sustainable packaging for fresh produce, and promoting Australian wool, one of the world’s most in-demand natural fibres.
“With the generous support of their investors, Natasha and Anthony are about to start the journey of a lifetime as they travel the world researching solutions to grow a stronger, more sustainable agricultural sector.”
To learn more about the Nuffield Farming Scholarship, head to its website.
