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 anchored 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 Sarah Shannon and Katy Halpin, 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:

“Our strategic partnership with University College Cork and Teagasc is very important. Initiatives such as the Dairygold Agricultural Science Bursary allow us to continue to invest in the future of agriculture and succession planning within the sector. The future of the agriculture sector is crucial for our economy, and through partnerships such as this, we can ensure its long-term economic and sustainable success. By recognising and supporting individuals like Sarah and Katy, 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 contributes 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, as exemplified by our bursary winners today, we are certainly succeeding in this regard, and excited for the future.

Delivered by UCC in partnership with Teagasc, Agricultural Science at UCC provides students with an unquestionably unique and unparalleled opportunity, the most up-to-date research curriculum, delivered first hand by the foremost experts who are recognised both nationally and internationally, access to many of Irelands most profitable, sustainable, and in many cases award winning, dairy farmers for our regular field-based training and our 18-week dairy work placements, many guest lectures and seminars delivered by industry leaders and representatives of key service providers, and a 12-week individually tailored industry placement. Thus, providing our students with unique opportunities to be immersed in ‘best practice’, deepening their knowledge, opening opportunity, and forming a key part of their personal and professional development”.

Frank complimented Sarah and Katy, congratulated them, and wished them well with their studies at UCC.

Professor Laurence Shalloo, Head, 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.”

Dr Antony Knights, Head, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences said:

“We sincerely thank Dairygold for their ongoing support of our students through this bursary. This endorsement highlights the strength and relevance of our curriculum, which blends academic rigour with hands-on skills and industry experience. I wish Sarah and Katy the very best in their studies and future endeavours.”