With a rural family background and a strong interest in livestock and crop genetics, Emerald’s Meg McCosker was eager to undertake an agricultural education after high school, and felt a scholarship would give her the boost she needed to make the most of her studies.
“Receiving a scholarship would enable me to focus on my studies and work towards achieving my career goals,” Miss McCosker
She conveyed her passion for all aspects of farm life, and her desire to make a difference when it comes to higher performing farm produce, and won a Central Highlands Cotton Growers & Irrigators Association/Cotton Australia scholarship.
Her family operates a mixed cattle and irrigated cropping enterprise at Emerald, including cotton, peanuts, cereal crops, and a registered Wagyu stud.
With her background and experience she enrolled in the CQUniversity Bachelor of Agriculture - delivered in partnership with Emerald Agricultural College.
“I felt it would broaden my knowledge and practical skills even further, as well as offer a career pathway towards farm technology and genetic research,’ she said.
“It has been a great year. The practical sessions at Emerald Agricultural College or their property Berrigurra were interesting as the theory covered was applied in everyday situations.
“It has definitely reaffirmed my choice to study a Bachelor of Agriculture and my interest in plant and animal genetic research.
“The scholarship is very helpful as it contributes to the costs of the course.”
In addition to her agricultural studies and career aspirations, she feels it is important to contribute to her regional community on a social and cultural level. Being able to undertake tertiary studies regionally has presented her with the opportunity to continue to be involved in her rural community.
This year Miss McCosker was invited to be a student panellist in a community forum as part of Queensland Country Life’s ‘Grow Queensland’ series.
She used the opportunity to share her thoughts on life as a young adult in regional Australia, saying she has always been able to find things to do in her community, and was looking forward to her career in agriculture.
“I enjoy meeting new people and challenging myself with new experiences, study has been very interesting and working with other students has been lots of fun.”
She said applying for a scholarship is a great idea as it can be used for course fees or residential fees.
The Central Highlands Cotton Growers & Irrigators Association and Cotton Australia are once again offering scholarships to students interested in studying with QATC in 2017, as are other organisations. To view 2017 courses and scholarships visit qatc.edu.au