The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society is now accepting applications for its Godfrey Neal bursary, whereby two young people (between the ages 18 and 24) who are pursuing a career in beef production can be awarded between £200-500.
The society will continue to accept applications until August 31, via online submissions on its website.
This grant was launched to support the development of the beef sector’s future stockpeople and so the money can be used towards travel and training opportunities.
“The primary intention of the bursary is to provide a contribution towards travel costs for young people who have expressed an interest in learning more about beef production in other parts of the world,” said Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society CEO, Robert Gilchrist.
“Funding for specific UK-based training courses will also be considered,” he said.
Angela McCregor, beef farmer, past president of the society and the first beneficiary of the bursary encourages young people to apply for the grant and to think outside of the box and consider specialist courses.
“There are many organisations that offer different funding options for young people, but funding for travel in our industry is often limited,” she said.
“I strongly recommend people make the most of this opportunity as there is always something new to learn.”
McGregor used her own beneficiary to help fund a trip to Japan and Australia, where she spent time looking into beef production systems that deliver high eating quality.
“My time was spent on farms finding out about their selection criteria for cattle; visiting abattoirs and wholesalers looking at handling, hanging and storage; plus researching the science behind their techniques,” she said.
“Following the visit, I continued to select cattle for efficiency but also prioritised carcase size and eating quality traits.
“I continued to work with a catering butcher for a number of years who supported my research and 18 years ago finally opened my own farm shop, implementing some of the techniques I’d seen on my travels.”
