The final call for agricultural students to enter a competition to be in with a chance of winning one of five €1,000 bursaries has been issued by the Irish Hereford Breed Society (IHBS).
The competition, which is in its second year, is run by the society in collaboration with Slaney Foods International and Lidl Ireland.
Students wishing to attend an agricultural college, or who are hoping to study agriculture at third level, in the Republic of Ireland this autumn are being encouraged to enter this competition.
Such students may have completed the Leaving Certificate, could currently be actively farming or may be heavily involved in their local Macra club or another agricultural activity, according to the IHBS.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, August 25, via email to: [email protected]. The applicant’s name, address and contact number must be clearly displayed on the assignment.
Speaking about the competition, the Chairman of the IHBS, Willie Branagan, said: “With agricultural students now focusing their attentions to the academic year ahead, it would be great timing for five young people to get a financial boost to help with fees or expenses.”
A total of 10 qualifiers – who will be contacted by phone on Monday, September 11 – will be required to attend the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore on Wednesday, September 20.
These qualifiers must also be available to be interviewed by a well-known figure in Irish agriculture, who will then select the final five winners.
Competition support
All agricultural students are urged to take advantage of this bursary scheme by Rory Fanning from Slaney Foods International.
Given the recent demand for the Hereford breed and the success of the multi award winning Certified Irish Hereford Beef, we are delighted to come onboard and support the society who have initiated the project.
Meanwhile, Hereford has quickly become a “huge point of differentiation” for Lidl, according to the Commercial Director for Lidl, Liam Casey.
Customers have responded “exceptionally well to this premium product”, he added.
“We are delighted to support the Irish Hereford Breed Society and our supplier Slaney Foods International in offering financial assistance to five aspiring agricultural students and look forward to seeing the qualifiers in Screggan in September,” he said.
Further details about the programme can be found online. Students who have any queries are invited to contact the IHBS at: 044-9348855.