Eight agricultural and veterinary science students, identified as potential future leaders in the primary industries sector, have returned to Charles Sturt University (CSU) from a workshop in Canberra as part of the Horizon Scholarship.

The scholarship is offered through the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) in partnership with industry sponsors, to 'support the next generation of agricultural leaders, who will take up the challenge of farming for the future'. 

The three day workshop involved professional development and a dinner with industry leaders.

The Horizon Scholars also attended the release on Wednesday 16 July of the RIRDC report, New entrants to Australian agricultural industries - where are the young farmers? The study found that the number of farmers aged under 35 years has fallen by 75 per cent since 1976.

One of the Horizon Scholars to attend the workshop in Canberra was Ms Jessica Kirkpatrick, a second year Bachelor of Agricultural Science student from the Victorian town of Beaufort.

"The workshop in Canberra was a brilliant networking opportunity as we meet students from around Australia and of course industry leaders at a dinner," Ms Kirkpatrick said. 

"A highlight was morning tea with the Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss. We also got to meet our local MPs.

"The experience was particularly valuable for the personal development skills we will use in the workplace and in general life.

"At the workshop, there was personality testing, communication skills and public speaking.".

Head of CSU's School of Agricultural and Wine Science Professor John Mawson said, "We are delighted by the success of our students in securing the Horizon Scholarships and grateful for the assistance that the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation provides in supporting and developing these future leaders".

"There are many exciting opportunities for graduates across all sectors of the agricultural industry, and our graduates are highly sought after for their practical knowledge of production systems and agribusiness skills," he said.

Ms Kirkpatrick said, "It's a truly exciting time to be embarking on a career in agriculture".

"There are many opportunities for students to up skill and universities are creating seriously skilled graduates.

"At the completion of my degree at Charles Sturt University, I'm looking forward to becoming an agronomist, with a particular interest in cereal and oilseed crops." 

The CSU students who attended the Horizon Scholarship workshop in Canberra from Sunday 13 to Wednesday 16 July were third year Bachelor of Agricultural Science student Ms Eliza Starr, second year Bachelor of Agricultural ScienceMs Mikaela Baker, second year Bachelor of Agricultural Science Ms Jessica Kirkpatrick, second year Bachelor of Agricultural Science Ms Claudia Raleigh, second year Bachelor of Agricultural Science student Mr Paul Sanderson, second year Bachelor of Agricultural Science Ms Alexandra Trinder, first year Bachelor of Veterinary Science student Ms Anna Rose Markey and third year Bachelor of Veterinary Science student Ms Hannah Schulz.

They are in the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences and the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga.