Cheshire: £2k scholarship for agriculture industry professionals

The John Platt Travel Scholarship offers £2,000 to support research and professional development in agriculture or related sectors.

Run in partnership between Reaseheath College and University Centre and the Cheshire Agricultural Society, the scholarship is open to people in the rural sector, aged 18 to 35, who live or work in Cheshire.

The funding enables recipients to explore innovative farming practices, technologies, and ideas overseas – and then share their findings to benefit the wider rural community.

Two former recipients of the scholarship are Niamh McGrath and Emma Pendlebury, who both used the scholarship towards funding their global research trips and are now encouraging others to take advantage of this opportunity.

Niamh studied bakery and patisserie at Reaseheath College in Nantwich and now works as an ethics, sustainability, and governance assistant at a fresh produce business in Gloucestershire.

She used her scholarship to travel to the USA to investigate the national dairy marketing initiative ‘Checkoff’ and its role in promoting milk consumption across the country.

Niamh McGrath travelled to the USA to find out more about large-scale dairy marketing thanks to funding through the John Platt Travel Scholarship (Image: Supplied) Niamh said: "The John Platt Scholarship gave me the opportunity to explore large-scale dairy marketing and speak directly with industry leaders in America.

"The trip opened my eyes to how coordinated marketing strategies can transform consumer perception and profitability."

Former agriculture student Emma Pendlebury, 23, from Kelsall, is a relief milker at a farm in Stapleford.

She used her funding towards a study trip to New Zealand where she investigated the health and welfare in dairy-beef calves from pre-weaning to post-weaning.

Her research focused on reducing mortality rates, managing disease, and improving productivity – insights she’s applied in her work back home.

Emma said: "Visiting New Zealand was a dream come true.

"I gained first-hand knowledge of calf rearing systems that are both welfare-focused and efficient.

"The techniques I’ve seen are helping me support improvements here in Cheshire.

"I’m so grateful to Reaseheath College and the Cheshire Agricultural Society for making it possible."

Emma Pendlebury, who used the John Platt Travel Scholarship towards a study trip to the New Zealand to find out more about the health and welfare of dairy-beef calves (Image: Supplied) The John Platt Travel Scholarship was created in memory of John Platt OBE, a long-serving champion of Cheshire’s farming community and former chair of governors at Reaseheath College.

His belief in the power of travel to broaden knowledge and drive innovation remains at the heart of the award.

Recipients are expected to present their findings to the Cheshire Agricultural Society, Young Farmers Clubs, and students, ensuring that the wider industry benefits from their experience.

Reaseheath principal and CEO Marcus Clinton said: "This scholarship helps young professionals develop valuable knowledge, build global connections and bring real benefit back to the rural economy here in Cheshire."

Keith Thomas, treasurer of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, added: "Niamh and Emma exemplify the kind of drive and curiosity this scholarship was designed to support.

"We’re proud to play a role in their journeys and look forward to welcoming this year’s applicants."

Applicants must submit a project proposal outlining how their research will support innovation and profitability within Cheshire’s agricultural community.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, May 18, and the presentation panel will take place on Tuesday, June 3.

To apply, visit the Reaseheath College website.