Uncle Tobys scholarship recipient Thomas Hatty is undertaking a combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Agricultural Science at La Trobe University.
Tom, the son of John and Beth Hatty, is a fourth-generation farmer who grew up on a cropping farm and hopes to return to the family property one day.
Tom said he wanted to broaden his experience first and was interested in agronomy and grain trading.
He travelled overseas in his gap year, spending three months in the United States and a further two months in Europe.
“I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and I thought travelling and doing some work would help clarify things.”
Tom enjoys the diversity of farm work and learning new skills.
“You are never doing the same thing every day.”
He also enjoys playing football for Tocumwal Football Club and loves water sports.
Tom is one of two students who will receive a $5000 scholarship in conjunction with agricultural development body, Riverine Plains.
The recipient of the John Hanrahan Scholarship is Jessica Ryan from Estella in NSW.
Riverine Plains chief executive officer Catherine Marriott said both the John Hanrahan and Uncle Tobys scholarships recognise the excellence shown by local students studying for an agriculture-related qualification, while also providing additional opportunities for these students within the industry.
“As well as being capable students, both Jessica and Thomas have shown themselves to be active community members who are both passionate about their future roles in agriculture,” Ms Marriott said.
The Uncle Tobys Scholarship is an initiative designed to help make agriculture an attractive career choice for young people.
“We are passionate about supporting young people who have the enthusiasm and mindset to improve both farming economics and sustainability,” Nestle Wahgunyah factory manager Scott Boxshall said.
Riverine Plains thanked the Hanrahan family for the generous donation that led to the establishment of the scholarship, as well as all those who have made financial or in-kind donations to the scholarship fund over the past few years.
Riverine Plains also thanked Uncle Tobys for its commitment to supporting local tertiary students and for providing development pathways in support of regional agriculture.
Applications for the 2022 John Hanrahan and Uncle Tobys scholarships will open in July, with further details available from: www.riverineplains.org.au
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