40 | Darke is excited and also a bit terrified The Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship is one of the most valued awards in New Zealand’s primary sector. Russell Fredric One of four Kiwis to be awarded a 2025 Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship, Dani Darke is excited and also a bit terrified about the demands of the 15 month programme. Dani and her husband Anthony have three daughters and farm a 630 hectare sheep and beef property in Aria, Waitomo. The total value of the scholarship is $50,000. “It’s an awesome opportunity,” Dani says. “The terrified-ness comes from the time I’m going to be away from home and just making sure that I do it justice; it’s $50,000, and also a bit of extra support from other businesses that we deal with that wanted to support me. I guess I feel that I want to deliver for all of them.” Dani has a Bachelor in Agriculture degree and strong interests in the wider agricultural sector. An Agri-Women’s Development graduate, she has held leadership roles including chair of Beef and Lamb New Zealand’s Mid-Northern farmer council, served in 2019 as associate director with Ospri, is a Ballance Agri-Nutrients director, and a Rural Coach partner. The Nuffield New Zealand Farming Scholarship is one of the most valued awards in New Zealand’s primary sector. The programme involves embarking on a unique global learning experience which includes opportunities for collaboration, networking and mentoring to fast-track their understanding of agriculture and knowledge of farming systems. Awarded through an application process, the scholarship is something that has been “on my radar for years”, Dani says. “There’s lots of respected farm leaders in our industry that have done a Nuffield scholarship and they’ve got so much out of the experience. I’ve been encouraged by people to put my hand up for it.” Although Dani feels the timing is favourable, there will still be challenges with being overseas for extended periods. The scholarship has four components: Mid to late February, the scholars begin with a one-week immersion into leadership, critical thinking and New Zealand value chains. This component plugs them into leading New Zealanders and exposes them to the key challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. RURAL PEOPLE » Ridgeway Farms The second component, the Contemporary Scholars Conference is a week-long international event where scholars hear presentations from thought leaders on global agricultural challenges, along with attending several field trips. Held in a different country each year the 2025 conference is being hosted by Nuffield New Zealand in Auckland. The third component is where Dani will undertake an overseas tour with 12 other scholars from different countries. 100% Grass-Fed Lamb As Nature Intended. www.tknaturallamb.com Free Range | Gluten Free | No Antibiotics | No Hormones | No GMO TK Natural Lamb is proudly supporting Ridgeway Farms. From Houhora to Blu , find local expertise to help your farm succeed Walking the talk with over 200 ANZ Agri Specialists ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
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