Welsh red meat body offers £3,500 travel scholarship

The Welsh red meat agency, Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), is inviting applications for a £3,500 travel scholarship to investigate the red meat industry abroad.

The HCC Livestock Scholarship is open to people who currently work full-time within the red meat industry in Wales and are keen to contribute to its development.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Lynfa Davies, technical development executive at HCC.

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“We are keen to hear from enthusiastic individuals with fresh and fascinating ideas who would be willing to share their findings and present new ideas to beef, lamb and pork producers in Wales.”

Past scholars have travelled as far as Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and Norway, and have studied a range of interesting topics covering varying aspects of the red meat industry – but also of relevance to Welsh agriculture.

These include a study of North American charcuterie, forage utilisation in sheep management systems in New Zealand, and how Argentinian farmers rear and finish cattle on a low-cost system.

On completion of an application form and interview, successful entrants will receive £3,500 to fund an overseas trip lasting four to six weeks.

They will also be given membership of the HCC Scholarship Association, which is made up of past scholars.

Following the trip, a detailed report will need to be prepared for HCC, outlining how the study will benefit the individual’s business and the industry as a whole.

A series of talks to local farmer groups will be expected as well as participation in HCC Scholarship Association activities.

The deadline for applications is 20 June 2014. More information can be found on the HCC website.