Dairygold Paperless
Dairygold Paperless
Dairygold awards bursaries to UCC Agricultural Science students
Dairygold Co-Operative Society has awarded two undergraduate bursaries to students undertaking the Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree at University College Cork (UCC).
The course is based in UCC’s School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences with input from across the university, and in partnership with Teagasc.
This year’s recipients are Patrick Kirby, from Killeedy, County Limerick, and Cian Walters, from Ballysimon, County Limerick both Bachelor of Agricultural Science students at UCC.
The students will receive an annual bursary for the duration of their four-year undergraduate studies and will also be offered the opportunity to conduct their 12-week industry placement with Dairygold.
Michael Harte, Dairygold Chief Executive said: “Dairygold has been supporting students through the Dairygold Bursary for the past 7 years. Through initiatives like the Dairygold Bursary, we are investing in the future of our industry, encouraging new thinking, strengthening capability, and developing the Agri Business leaders of the future. This bursary plays an essential role in building the skills and expertise our sector will rely on in the years ahead. By recognising and supporting students like Patrick and Cian, we drive positive change and innovation within the industry, and I wish them all the best in their future studies.”
Professor Frank Buckley, Head of Agricultural Science and academic director of the Agricultural Science degree programme at UCC thanked Dairygold for their “continued generosity and foresight in providing this fantastic award which aims to identify emerging young talent and contribute to the development of the next generation of leading agri-professionals. Our ambition from the outset has been to attract Ireland’s brightest and best, and as evidenced by demand for the course, and the calibre of students attracted, we are certainly succeeding in this regard, and excited for the future. The course provides our students with unique opportunities to be immersed in ‘best practice’, deepening their knowledge, opening up opportunity, and forming a key part of their personal and professional development. Congratulations to Patrick and Cian, and I’d like to wish them well in their studies at UCC.”
Delivered by UCC in partnership with Teagasc, Agricultural Science at UCC provides students with the most up-to-date research curriculum, delivered first hand by the experts who are recognised both nationally and internationally. In addition, it provides access to many of Irelands most profitable, sustainable and in many cases award-winning dairy farmers, for regular field-based training and an 18-week dairy Work Placements and a 12-week individually tailored industry placement.
Professor Laurence Shalloo, Head of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme, Teagasc, added:
“Globally, we face a challenge to feed a population that is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050. To meet this challenge, the Agri-food sector and agricultural professionals need a strong technical, agronomic and environmental knowledge base to ensure the production of safe, nutritious food products, while protecting the environment. This degree is especially tailored to attract those individuals with a particular passion for dairying and provides a rigorous understanding of the science of agriculture, the business of farming and sustainability, that is necessary to underpin the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of Irish dairying and the wider agri-food industry.”
Professor Antony Knights, Head, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences said:
“We are grateful to Dairygold for their ongoing support and recognition of our students through this bursary programme. It is a testament to the quality and relevance of our curriculum, which combines scientific rigour with practical skills and industry exposure. I wish Patrick and Cian every success in their studies and their future careers.”
