Victoria’s brightest young farming leaders will be supported to invest in their future and explore new learning opportunities while being backed by the Allan Labor Government to build the future of agriculture in Victoria.   
 
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that Leongatha-based farmer Matthew Taylor would be one of 16 statewide recipients for this year’s Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarships.  

Mr Taylor will be given $500 to upskill on selecting and using agricultural technology, and $4,881 to invest in scales for weighing cattle.  

Mr Taylor recently launched his own beef cattle business in South Gippsland. 

Successful applicants will receive training to build their knowledge and expertise in areas such as irrigation, agronomy, conservation, and land management, as well as core business skills in areas including accounting, human resources, and marketing. 
   
Once they have completed their studies, applicants can invest in modern technology and equipment, on-farm strategies and planning, and their own professional development to kickstart their career as a farmer.  

Since 2015, the Labor Government has awarded 133 Young Farmers Upskill and Invest scholarships to students that demonstrated drive and innovation.   

Many of the previous recipients have gone on to play a vital role in industry leadership positions such as the Victorian Young Farmers Advisory Council.    

The Council represents the views of young farmers and provides advice to government to help grow a sustainable and profitable agriculture sector.   

For more information on the young farmer programs visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.   
 
Quotes Attributable to Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence   

“The Young Farmers Upskill and Invest scholarship is about encouraging our future agriculture leaders to be adaptive and responsive to the challenges and opportunities the industry presents.”   

“We are proud to have supported 133 Victorian young farmers to reach their potential, and in turn they help us secure our food system and strengthen our local economy.”  

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh  

“This is fantastic support to passionate and enthusiastic young farmers at the cutting edge of their field, with great outcomes across the board.”  

Quotes attributable to Leongatha Farmer Matthew Taylor 

“Selected as a 2024 recipient of the Upskill and Invest Scholarship, I will use the funding to complete a genetic improvement course and to acquire cattle scales and data recording technology.”