Georgia Ditchfield has been 'flat out' recently as she immerses herself in the 2024-25 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship which she recently won.

A bush kid, Georgia knows about agriculture firsthand growing up on her parent’s sheep, cattle and cropping farm at Coonamble, where she learnt all that is involved in the day to day running of a working farm.

“I was thrilled to receive the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship and be given the opportunities that it brings,” said Georgia.

“I attended EvokeAg earlier in the year, which is a major food and tech conference, and just this week spent time in Canberra where I met local member Jamie Chaffey, and 40 other young agriculture students from all over Australia.

“It has been a time of great networking and much discussion about the future of agriculture.”

Georgia Ditchfield AgriFutures Horizon Scholar with Jamie Chaffey MP and Carol Mudford NSW winner of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award at the AgriFutures Australia morning tea Parliament House recently - Image courtesy Jamie Chaffey MP.

In partnership with industry sponsors, the scholarship supports students who are enrolled in full time study and provides them with a $5000 bursary for the final two years of their degree.

During the scholarship students attend personal development workshops, and industry work placements in areas of interest to them and their sponsors industry, as well as opportunities to network at industry events.

Currently in her final months at University of New England (UNE) Georgia has taken advantage of every ‘uni’ opportunity by attending two overseas study tours one to USA and to Fiji, both giving her an insight into the different agricultural methods being utilised by farmers.

Georgia is keen on the research side of agriculture and with this in mind recently commenced working in a soil and plant testing laboratory, focusing on plant and seed testing.

“I’m responsible for testing plant tissues for nutrients and nitrates, as well as conducting germination and vigour testing for crops like chickpeas, wheat and barley,” said Georgia.

Georgia Ditchfield at home on the farm - image Ms Ditchfield.

Open to trying all types of agricultural experiences and having just completed a two-week work experience at a dairy farm, Georgia has a clear picture of what she would like her future to be.

“In the long term ideally, I would love to research farming and their farming systems in third world countries.

"This would be my dream but in the short-term research on broadacre farming, wheat and barley somewhere in northwest NSW or southern QLD,” said Georgia.

Two weeks of industry work placements each year within her sponsor’s industry – the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is something Georgia feels excited for.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be supported by GRDC through the Horizon Scholarship,” Georgia said. “The opportunities I’ve received so far have been invaluable in helping me grow both professionally and personally.”

“The GRDC is proud to be supporting young professionals like Georgia through the Horizon Scholarship and hope that this continued investment into future generations broadens the scope of students who look to explore career opportunities in the grains industry,” explained Capacity and Extension Manager at GRDC, Charleton Glenn.

“We are hoping that the networking and placement opportunities that Georgia has been fortunate enough to undertake will help her to gain industry exposure and build a network across Australia that she is able to draw on both personally and professionally,” he said.

Image courtesy AgriFutures.

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When asked what tips she would give to agricultural students coming up, and to other bush kids, Georgia offered this advice.

“Say yes to every opportunity. Even if there is something that you feel might be out of your league, just apply," she said.

“I thought I had absolutely no shot at getting this scholarship, but when someone looks at you and thinks you are worth a chance and they back you it is the biggest confidence booster.

“By not applying you are potentially missing amazing opportunities, so just put your hand up you never know where it might take you."