Farming
- Telford launched a new scholarship to support students in the Diploma in Agriculture programme
- First recipient Katelin Perkins plans to use the funds to help cover accommodation costs
- The award recognises academic success, farming commitment, and community involvement
Telford student Katelin (Kate) Perkins has become the first recipient of the new Telford Farm Board Diploma in Agriculture Scholarship, designed to support students enrolled in the Massey Diploma in Agriculture (DipAg) programme delivered at Telford.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to help with study-related costs such as course fees and accommodation. Miss Perkins, who is originally from the small Rangitīkei town of Turakina, said the award came as a complete surprise.
“I wasn’t sure why I was called into the admin block before class, but then I saw Richard and Kate and they gave me the scholarship. It was a very pleasant surprise,” she said, referring to Telford Farm Board Chair Richard Young and Vice Chair Kate Stanton-Herbert.
The financial support has eased the pressure for Perkins, who is using the scholarship mostly towards her accommodation expenses. “It’s taken a bit of the stress off my shoulders in terms of my accommodation costs so I can focus on my studies,” she said. After receiving the news, she immediately rang her mum. “[Mum] said that’s incredible; I’m very proud of you.”
Perkins discovered Telford during the Feilding field days and was drawn in by the opportunity to attend a Taster Camp. After experiencing the campus, she felt strongly it was the right fit for her. She joined the diploma programme straight after finishing year 13 at Nga Tawa Diocesan School.
Now three months into her studies, she said the course feels like the perfect fit. “I feel it’s where I need to be academically.” Her favourite area of study so far has been pasture and crops. “It looks into feed budgeting and animal needs which I’m interested in,” she explained.
To celebrate her win, she planned to head into Balclutha with friends and enjoy a sweet treat.
Richard Young said the scholarship was created to reward DipAg students who demonstrate strong academic performance, a commitment to farming, and a clear career plan. “We were looking for Diploma in Agriculture students who were above and beyond,” he said, noting that a ‘B’ grade average was a minimum requirement.
“Kate is an all-round candidate who is studying hard and shows commitment back to the community,” he added. “Telford graduates will be going back into rural communities; they need to contribute into the future to h