Where Are They Now? – Ravensdown Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship

Every year, Ravensdown shareholders' sons and daughters studying agricultural or horticultural degrees have the chance to receive the Ravensdown Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship. Established in the memory of former Ravensdown director Hugh Williams (1987–2000), the scholarship provides $5,000 per year for a three-year degree, and the chance for paid holiday work at Ravensdown.

Since the scholarship’s inception, Ravensdown has now helped 25 successful students with their studies. Many of these students have gone on to have varied and impactful careers in agriculture, both in New Zealand and abroad. 

This year, we’re catching up with some of those former scholarship winners, with a new profile every fortnight. Stay tuned as we find out... where are they now?

For the first in our series, we catch up with a recent winner, Georgia Higinbottom. Georgia won the scholarship in 2023 and is now in her 4^th and final year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree at Lincoln University.

What are you doing now, and where are you based?

I’m excited to be heading into my 4^th and final year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science. This year I’m looking forward to completing an honors project looking at the growth of alternative legume species in acidic soils. I’ll spend any spare time I get around this playing hockey and continuing to be involved in Lincoln Uni’s Hunting and Young Farmers Clubs! 

How has the Hugh Williams Scholarship opened doors for you?

The support I have received through the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship has been hugely beneficial to my time at Lincoln! It has enabled me to play sport, develop leadership and life skills through the young farmers, network with other like-minded people, have the chance to go on hunting trips and still dedicate time to my studies without the added pressure of working part time.   

What is your proudest achievement so far?

When I reflect on my time studying at Lincoln, I think I am most proud of the balance I’ve found between doing well in my studies and enjoying the rest of what uni life has to offer! I’m grateful to the awesome friends, lecturers and farmers I have met and the opportunities I’ve had through young farmers; I’m super excited to be competing in the Tasman Regional Final coming up in March.

How has agriculture shaped your life, both professionally and personally?

For as long as I can remember agriculture has been shaping my life, one of my earliest memories is running away from a charging Jersey bull! Having the privilege of being raised on a sheep and beef farm has meant that from an early age, my passion for agriculture has been cultivated.

This has had a huge impact on my values and beliefs as I got to see first-hand the hard work, dedication and passion that my parents put into running Beauley. As a family, we experienced the challenges of farming, but we also got to reap the rewards. Working with nature, the environment and animals with all the variables and curveballs that can be thrown at you, ultimately overcoming them and doing it together is extremely satisfying.

Producing quality food and fibre from an animal that has been ethically raised is a very meaningful process to be a part of and it has taught me to value animals, the environment, hardworking farmers and the rural communities that support them. 

Looking back, name one big challenge you encountered, and how you overcame it

Growing up I always wanted to be a vet as I love caring for and working with animals. So, it was a challenge when, after completing the work experience hours I realized that this career path wasn’t going to be for me. I overcame this challenge by thinking about what my other interests and strengths were. I realized that I was equally passionate about plants and soil and how they interact with animals and management factors to create thriving farming systems. I decided to study Ag Sci at Lincoln instead and I’ve never looked back! 

What do you feel the agricultural sector is missing right now, and where do you think the next generation can really make an impact?

We’re lucky that the New Zealand Agricultural sector is full of innovative, hardworking farmers and rural professionals. But I think in some cases we are losing connection between rural and urban NZ, so it is super important that this next generation continues to tell our stories and communicate our values so that everyone understands where food comes from and the passion, commitment and sacrifice farmers make so that we can put real food on the table.

What advice would you give to those thinking about applying for the scholarship?

Give it a go! Be authentic and genuine about your passion for NZ’s ag sector. Before receiving the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship I had been rejected from many others. Receiving this award and having the support of a trusted, leading New Zealand-owned agricultural cooperative

company was a huge confidence boost and helped me believe in myself more. 

What’s next for you?

My post-uni plan is to find a job in New Zealand’s agricultural sector where I can cement and put into practice the knowledge I have gained from my degree; I’m open to all opportunities. I know that I enjoy spending time outside, problem-solving and working with farmers to help them get the best out of their farming systems, so I could see myself in a job such as a Ravensdown agri/nutrient manager. I am also passionate about advocating on behalf of farmers and helping  to create a New Zealand where rural and urban folk alike unite to value the environment and support farmers. Before Christmas, I had the privilege of travelling to Vietnam and I would love to have the opportunity to travel overseas again in the future and continue to learn from different agricultural practices!