The future of New Zealand's food and farming industry will be shaped by the next generation of innovators, thinkers and change-makers.
That's why Silver Fern Farms is proud to offer our Plate to Pasture Youth Scholarships: an opportunity designed to support promising young people as they pursue their studies, develop their skills and build meaningful connections within our industry.
The Plate to Pasture Youth Scholarship programme has entered a new chapter, with a fresh approach that strengthens its connection to our Co-operative community and gives shareholders a more active role in identifying and supporting the next generation of industry talent. The move to a shareholder-led nomination model is designed to deepen engagement, strengthen community connections and create even greater impact for scholarship recipients.
Scholarship overview
Silver Fern Farms will award three scholarships worth $7,500 each.
The scholarships are designed to help recipients access opportunities, experiences and development that may not otherwise be available to them.
More than a financial contribution, the programme is intended to connect talented young people with the people, communities and organisations shaping the future of food and farming in New Zealand. The programme exists to support future industry leaders and strengthen the talent pipeline for our sector.
What's changed?
The biggest shift is the move away from an open application process to a shareholder-led nomination model.
Rather than students applying directly, Silver Fern Farms shareholders are invited to nominate a promising young person connected to their business, family or community that they believe has the passion and potential to make a positive contribution to our industry.
This approach strengthens the Co-operative nature of the programme, creates stronger connections between recipients and our farming community, and positions shareholders as active contributors to developing the next generation of industry talent.
Who can nominate?
Nominations can be submitted by Silver Fern Farms shareholders and those closely connected to them (shareholders’ employees and immediate family), or the student themselves (with shareholder endorsement). Each shareholder may nominate one eligible student per year.
For the purposes of this programme, a shareholder is defined as a Silver Fern Farms Co-operative shareholder who supplies livestock to Silver Fern Farms. No minimum supply level applies. Any exceptional circumstances, such as a nomination connected to a retired shareholder supplier may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Who can be nominated?
To be eligible, students must be:
- Aged 18 – 25
- Currently studying towards a New Zealand qualification
- Undertaking study relevant to the food and farming industry (note, due to the breadth of our operations this includes a broad range of study areas such as agribusiness, science and technology, sustainability, environment, innovation, commerce, supply chain, marketing, management, and more)
- Connected to a Silver Fern Farms shareholder through business, family or community
What are we looking for?
We're looking for motivated young people who are excited by the opportunities and challenges facing our industry and who want to play a role in shaping its future.
The strongest nominees will demonstrate:
- Passion for food, farming and the future of the industry
- Academic commitment
- Innovative thinking
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn
- A desire to make a positive impact within the sector
As with the very best of what we produce, the key ingredient is passion. We're looking for young people inspired by the future and motivated to help create it.
How does the nomination process work?
Step 1: Shareholder submits a nomination
Eligible shareholder, shareholder-connected person, or student completes the online nomination form.
Step 2: Student completes their application
Nominated students who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to provide supporting information, including details about their studies, aspirations and how the scholarship would help them achieve their goals. This aligns with the programme's focus on helping recipients access opportunities they may not otherwise have available to them.
Step 3: Selection process
Applications are assessed by a selection panel against the programme criteria. The process is designed to identify students who have the greatest potential to contribute to the future of our industry.
Step 4: Scholarship recipients announced
Three recipients will be selected and contacted.
Step 5: Scholarship recipients celebrated
Scholarship recipients will be invited to attend a regional Field Days or A&P Show event in early 2027 where their scholarship will be celebrated and awarded to them.
Key dates
Nominations open: Monday 12 October
Nominations close: Friday 6 November
Scholarship recipients announced: Likely early December
Ready to nominate?
We know there are exceptional young people connected to our farming communities who have the passion potential and ambition to help shape the future of our industry.
This is your opportunity to back them.
👉 Submit your nomination here: Plate to Pasture Youth Scholarship nomination
Nominations are open now!
Questions?
For more information about the programme or eligibility requirements, please contact:
YouthScholarship@silverfernfarms.co.nz
