The successful Cecil Brown Scholarship recipient for 2025 is Hugh Platts. There were six very strong and impressive applicants this year, with the committee noting it was a very difficult decision to make. The winner was announced at the final MFS field day for the year on 3 December, however Hugh was unable to attend the field day in person. The scholarship was re-introduced this year by MFS and the Cecil Brown Scholarship Committee to encourage future agricultural leaders in the region. It provides a young person between 18 and 30 with the opportunity to travel to New Zealand, visiting progressive and innovative producers, processors and marketers; and support for an educational activity of the recipient’s choice - such as a short course, workshop, or on-farm experience approved by the scholarship committee. Hugh said he is looking forward to the program. “I sincerely thank the Cecil Brown committee, the MFS, the interviewers and sponsors for providing the opportunity to undertake this trip,” Hugh said. “I am looking forward to furthering my education through experiences in New Zealand and Australia, and being able to bring these back to the Monaro farming community.” There was a pause on the Cecil Brown Scholarship since the Covid 19 outbreak, however, a new committee was formed this year to bring back this learning opportunity to Monaro farming youth interested in the sheep and wool industry. “The re-instated Cecil Brown Scholarship, delivered in partnership with Monaro Farming Systems, has had a highly successful first year back,” MFS executive officer, Rebecca Kading, said. “The committee looks forward to continuing and strengthening the scholarship into the future.”
