28 FOR MORE THAN60 years, Nuffield Canada Scholars have been travelling the globe, learning from international colleagues in the agriculture industry about topics ranging from Zero Tillage (Art Westlund, 1979) to Risk Management Strategies (Amy Cronin, 2021). Lauren Benoit, a market development agronomist for Bayer and Grain Farmers of Ontario delegate in District 8 (Huron), has been awarded the 2024 Grain Farmers of Ontario Nuffield Scholarship. Benoit, who has an M.Sc. in weed science from the University of Guelph and is a Certified Crop Advisor, will study international research programs and investment with the goal of developing better working relationships within the sector, improving research processes that engage all industry stakeholders, and creating a more attractive environment for private research investment at the provincial and national level. THE NUFFIELD EXPERIENCE Aimed at mid-career professionals, the Nuffield Scholarship allows individuals to take a deep dive into a relevant agricultural topic of interest, bringing together information and expertise gathered from an intensive cross-cultural and international experience that includes travel, networking, and learning. 2024 Nuffield Scholarships STUDYING INTERNATIONAL CROP RESEARCH PROGRAMS Ontario Grain Farmer LAUREN BENOIT HAS RECEIVED THE 2024 GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO NUFFIELD SCHOLARSHIP. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN BENOIT. After completing their scholarship, Nuffield Scholars are highly sought after as speakers at agricultural events, meetings, and knowledge-sharing events. Nuffield Canada is part of a larger Nuffield International community, which includes Scholars from Australia, Ireland, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. Established in 1942 by Lord Nuffield, William Morris, a British businessman, car maker, and philanthropist, the object of the Nuffield Foundation was focused on agriculture advancement, with Scholars travelling to the U.K. for six months of study. Since 1950, Nuffield Canada has awarded 107 scholarships, with a further six scholarships announced in 2023. The international Nuffield alumni community now stands at more than 1700 Scholars. Scholarship recipients come from a vast background in Canadian agriculture, including livestock production, grain or vegetable production, forestry, and horticulture. They may have a variety of roles within the industry, including farm owners, managers, employees, administrators, or civil servants. Scholars are expected to travel internationallyfor a minimum of 10 weeks over two years, including participation in the Contemporary Scholars Conference, dubbed a “blast-off for new Nuffield Scholars from around the world,” where they gather to spend eight days exploring agriculture in the host country, learning more about themselves and each other, and engaging with leaders in agriculture who reinforce experiential learning. Many Scholars will opt to participate in a Global Focus Program (GFP) — a group of eight to 10 Scholars who spend six weeks Industry News
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