Six livestock farmers will have the opportunity to build their leadership skills and expand their impact on the sector through the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship programme.
Applications are now open for B+LNZ’s Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship, which provides a contribution of up to $4,000 towards a place on any New Zealand Rural Leaders programme. B+LNZ will award the scholarship to six livestock farmers looking to develop their leadership capability and make a greater contribution to New Zealand's sheep and beef sector.
B+LNZ National Extension Programme Manager Olivia Weatherburn says the scholarship, which launched last year, is designed to support farmers who are already demonstrating leadership within their businesses, communities or the wider livestock sector and are ready to take the next step in their development.
"Strong leadership is essential for the future success of New Zealand's sheep and beef sector. This scholarship is about helping farmers build the skills, confidence and networks they need to create positive change in their businesses, communities and across the wider industry."
Recipients will benefit from access to Rural Leaders programmes, opportunities to learn alongside peers from across the primary sector, and exposure to industry leaders and strategic influencers. The scholarship also helps farmers build practical leadership tools and skills they can apply within their own businesses, teams and communities.
To be eligible, applicants must be actively living and working on a New Zealand livestock farm, be a New Zealand resident, and demonstrate experience in the livestock sector along with a commitment to leadership and community development. Applicants considering the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme will also need to propose a project that delivers benefits for levy payers and the wider sheep and beef sector.
Successful applicants will be expected to share their learnings and programme progress with B+LNZ and the wider sector.
Farmers interested in applying or learning more about the scholarship and eligibility requirements can visit the Rural Leadership Advancement Scholarship webpage.
Learn more and apply now
Visit B+LNZ’s website to learn more about the scholarship and apply today.
Applications close 11 October 2026.
Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme applications open
One of the programmes farmers can use the scholarship towards is the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, which helps participants strengthen their strategic thinking, expand their networks and build the skills needed to lead positive change in the food and fibre sector.
The programme runs over six months through a series of in-person workshops, making it easier to fit alongside work and family commitments. Applications for Kellogg Programme One 2027 are now open and close on 25 October 2026.